302

Navajo Sterling Multi-Stone Inlay Pendant Necklace

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:125.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
Navajo Sterling Multi-Stone Inlay Pendant Necklace
Featured in this lot is a Vintage Navajo Sterling Multi-Stone Inlay Pendant Necklace, circa 1970s-1980s. This stone to stone inlay includes turquoise, coral, spiny oyster, white fire opal (sometimes called crystal opal), mother of pearl, sugilite, and jet. The emphasis on small stone work and inlay work began to emerge in the 1920s, developing partly from a revival of prehistoric designs. Traditionally, Zuni jewelers were known as the masters of lapidary. Much of the earliest Zuni silver jewelry was essentially identical to Navajo work. Now, we see incredibly talented inlay artists across all of the Southwest tribes. For the artist, inlay provides freedom to craft their own designs using traditional symbols and motifs. Inlay also requires a great deal of skill on the part of its creator, which is what makes the finished piece a true work of art. The "Sterling" stamped triangular-shaped pendant features a .925 stamped Italian sterling silver herringbone-style chain with a spring ring clasp. Pendant is 2.5"L, necklace is 19.5"L. Collective weight is 9.4gms.