Na Na Ping is a Native American jewelry maker who is known for his cutting edge and modern inlay designs. Na Na Ping, meaning Aspen Mountain in Tewa, is also known as Michael Garcia. He is a third generation Yaqui jeweler who graduated with a business degree from Arizona State University. An internationally known jewelry artist, Na Na Ping uses cutting edge inlay on semi-precious stones such as turquoise, jade, varascite, and sugilite. The complexity of the cuts and the mosaic colors on wide and heavy sterling silver shanks made his work very popular with collectors. His impressive mosaics are particularly notable.
One popular creation of Na Na Ping is his exquisite dragonfly bracelet. A heavy gauge sterling silver sheet is split into a shank and then bent. The dragonfly is then inlaid with African natural sugilite and Nevada-mined natural yellow Orville Jack turquoise.
Early in his career, Na Na Ping learned lapidary methods to further enhance his craft. He is able to dramatically transform high-grade stones for fine inlay jewelry. Na Na Ping is also known for his excellent eye when it comes to contrasting hues, which is apparent in most of his pieces. He always uses high-grade materials to create the finest jewelry pieces that are valued by collectors from Japan and other countries.
If you want to own a piece of uniquely designed pieces of jewelry by Ping, make sure to buy from reputable sellers. You can order online, of course, but make sure the seller can offer a certificate of authenticity along with your purchase. The certificate must include important details such as the name of the artist, his or her tribe affiliation, and materials used in the creation of the piece. Always check the reputation of the seller before you click the ‘buy’ button.
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