Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Navajo Contemporary Spiny Oyster and Sterling Silver Pendant by Elouise Kee

$185

Artist: Elouise Kee
Style: Pendant
Pueblo: Navajo (Diné)
Period: Contemporary
Materials: Spiny Oyster and Sterling Silver
Size: 1.75″ H x 1″ W
Item: #4981

NOTE: Pendent only. Chain not included.

Categories: , ,

In stock

Description

Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition.

Anchor your collection with the fiery energy of the Pacific in this handcrafted sterling silver pendant by acclaimed Navajo artisan Elouise Kee. This piece features a vibrant, teardrop-shaped spiny oyster shell cabochon, prized for its intense orange and striated cream hues. The shell is secured in a classic sawtooth bezel and framed by a sophisticated array of silverwork, including a hand-twisted wire rope border and a clean, high-polish sterling silver rim. This listing is for the pendant only; it features a generous, flared bail designed to slide effortlessly onto your favorite silver chain or a strand of traditional Navajo pearls.

Elouise Kee’s contemporary aesthetic is defined by its precision and its deep respect for natural materials. While traditional Navajo jewelry often focuses on the “Sky Stone” (turquoise), modern masters like Kee frequently incorporate spiny oyster shell—a material with a thousand-year history in Indigenous trade—to bring warmth and movement to their designs. The deliberate use of oxidation in the recesses of the silverwork provides a beautiful sense of depth, ensuring that the brilliant orange of the shell remains the undisputed focal point. For the collector, this pendant represents a perfect marriage of ancient trade materials and the refined, technical excellence of modern Diné silversmithing.

About The Artist

Elouise Kee is a distinguished Navajo (Diné) silversmith based in the historic art hub of Gallup, New Mexico. Known for her meticulous “saw and file” work, Elouise has spent decades refining a style that balances traditional Navajo motifs with a crisp, contemporary finish. She is particularly celebrated for her ability to work with large-scale, premium stones and shells—ranging from high-grade Royston and Kingman turquoise to vivid spiny oyster—setting them in “shadowbox” styles or elevated bezels that highlight the natural character of the material.

More About the Artist

Pueblo

The Navajo Pueblo, or Navajo Nation, is one of the largest Native American tribes, located in the Southwest U.S. across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. The Navajo, or Diné, have a rich cultural heritage, with traditions rooted in weaving, pottery, and silver jewelry. Their society is matrilineal, tracing lineage through the mother’s side. Traditionally, they lived in hogans, dome-shaped homes built from natural materials. The Navajo maintain strong spiritual beliefs focused on balance and harmony. Today, the Navajo Nation remains a vibrant community, preserving its language, traditions, and cultural identity.