THE DESIGNS

Coreen celebrates folk arts from around the world, but her heritage often draws to Mexican folk arts.

The graphics on this website are inspired by those created by the Otomi - one of the indigenous peoples of central Mexico.

The Otomi people (who call themselves Hñähñu) are best known for their distinctive embroidered art, called Tenango. The modern version of Tenango embroidery was developed in the 1960s as way to generate income following a severe drought.

This vibrant craft, which is filled with brightly colored flowers and animals, is symbolic of the Otomi's resilience and faith.

Indigenous jewelers in the Southwest traditionally created jewelry that was often large and fitted with heavy stones, such as turquoise and jet. The railroad era created a tourism industry - but most European-Americans preferred the delicate and intricate designs of Victorian jewelry.

To appeal to the growing tourist industry, Native artisans began creating smaller pieces with recurring patterns and small, inset stones.

Entrepreneur Fred Harvey promoted tourism in the Southwest, starting in Santa Fe. He opened restaurants, catered food on railway cars, and opened hotels with souvenir shops that featured handmade Native American jewelry.

Our silver tag charms are replicas of original Fred Harvey tags that Coreen has in her private collection.

Original Fred Harvey era Native American tag charms

One of Coreen's most popular collections are her Sterling Silver Naja Charms.

The Naja has a rich history and variations of this design are found in many cultures around the world. In the Middle Ages, the Moors adopted the symbol as a bridle ornament. They believed that the inverted crescent would protect both themselves and their horses from the “evil eye.”

The Spanish considered the Naja to be a protective talisman and so they took it with them when they colonized the Americas.

It was adopted into use by many of the indigenous peoples located throughout New Mexico and Arizona - such as the Hopi and Zuni nations. The Navajo named the design naja and it became the centerpiece of the famed elaborate squash blossom necklace.

Sterling silver naja charm on vintage beaded necklace by Coreen Cordova Jewelry

Feathers have many meanings. They can represent aspirations or physical, emotional, or spiritual freedom. It is also symbolic of our connection with the divine, and has become a celebration of life.

Cultures around the world consider the feather to be mystic symbols of a connection to the spiritual world and the divinity.
Many believe that when you find a feather - especially in a place where it stands out - it is a message from the spiritual realm or a sign that a loved one has safely reached the other side. Thus the phrase "feathers appear when angels are near."
The Iroquois have the Great Feather Dance, which is one of their four core ceremonies.
Because of the connection with the divine and spiritual realm, feathers are often considered good luck.
White feathers are often seen as symbolic of purity, peace, love, protection, and light.
Black feathers are considered protection against evil or negativity or a sign that a loved one is watching over you.
Black feathers also symbolize wisdom and are a reminder to remain open to new ideas or insights.

Feather charms in assorted materials with silver bezel by Coreen Cordova Jewelry

The Celtics believed four leaf clovers warded off evil, and in 1620, Sir John Melton wrote “If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good thing.”

The luck found in a Wishbone comes from cultures believing birds (and feathers) to be symbolic of the divine. In ancient Italy, the Etruscans believed birds were oracles that could tell the future. In hopes of gaining some of a bird's divine powers, after preparing their chicken for dinner, Etruscans would leave the furcula bone in the sun to dry out. If a villager found a dried bone, they would gently stroke it while making a wish. thus, the name Wishbone.

Horseshoes used to be hung above a door for protection. Some take it further, believing that the ends must point up so it creates a container to catch and hold any good luck moving past.

Wearing three keys together is good luck because together they unlock the doors to health, wealth, and love.

Take good luck with you, wherever you go with a good luck charm by Coreen!

Coreen Cordova Jewelry good luck charms.webp

THE DESIGNS

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