The Elias
- Description
- Artist Information
- Stone Information
- L: 3" W: 1 1/2"
- Hallmark: LW
- Sterling Silver
- Stabilized Turquoise
- Authentic, Native American Made
Lorraine Waatsa
Winners of blue ribbons at the Gallup Ceremonial, Lorraine and Luwayne are a husband-and-wife duo specializing in exquisite petit point and clusterwork jewelry. They primarily use coral, lapis, and Fox Mine turquoise in their creations. Lorraine comes from a rich lineage of Zuni jewelers, being the daughter of Alice and Duane Quam and the granddaughter of Doris and Wayne Ondelacy. Silversmithing runs in her blood, and she learned the craft at a young age from her parents.
Lorraine fondly recalls making her first piece in 1971 while still living at home. Their jewelry-making process begins with shaping the stones to approach the desired form. Lorraine grinds the stones on a 100-grit wheel, working dry without water. Once the stone is nearly shaped, she uses a melted sealing wax stick—size depending on the stone—to perfect it. Luwayne then completes the piece with his expert silverwork.
Their prolific output showcases a blend of traditional techniques and innovative designs. Their work has earned recognition, including features in the book "Zuni Jewelry" by Theda and Michael Bassman, highlighting their contributions to the art form.
Understanding Our Measurements
The length listed for earrings includes the hook or post as part of the total measurement.
When Can I Expect My Order to Ship?
We don't like to wait for our online orders & feel you shouldn't have to either. We ship Monday through Friday and strive to process orders within 24 hours. Most orders placed by 4:30 PM are shipped the same day. Please note that during peak seasons, like Christmas, shipping may take a bit longer. When you check out, you should see an estimated delivery date. If you have any questions or need to confirm shipping times, feel free to call or text us!
Am I Buying Authentic Native Jewelry?
We prioritize honesty and transparency regarding the origin of our jewelry. Each piece on our site includes a detailed description, and if an item is not native-made, we clearly indicate that. While we do offer a small selection of imported jewelry, we do not support the importation of pieces that replicate original native designs.
Styling Questions?
We’re here to assist you with all your styling needs! Whether you have questions about layering necklaces, selecting the perfect pieces, or finding complementary colors, we’ve got you covered.
While we provide a necklace length guide to help you make informed choices, we understand that layering can be tricky. If you need additional assistance, feel free to reach out! We’re happy to lay out different combinations and send photos to ensure you achieve the look you want. Trying to match multiple pieces? We strive to accurately represent colors in our images, but please keep in mind that screen settings can vary. If you would like additional photos or pieces photographed together for better comparison we are happy to do so.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
The Elias
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