Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Navajo Hand Beaded “Sleeping Beauty” Turquoise, Jet, and Shell Necklace by Charlotte Begay

$150

Artist: Charlotte Begay
Style: Sleeping Beauty Necklace
Nation: Navajo (Diné)
Period: Contemporary
Materials: Turquoise, Coral, Jet, and Shell
Length: 26″
Item: #4321

In stock

Description

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

Experience the meticulous artistry of Diné weaving traditions translated into glass and stone with this handcrafted necklace by Charlotte Begay. This intricate piece features hundreds of tiny, hand-strung beads, meticulously arranged to create a striking geometric pattern. The vibrant, clear robin’s-egg blue of authentic “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise beads provides a brilliant contrast against the deep, obsidian black of jet and the shimmering iridescence of natural shell. The design is finished with traditional sterling silver cones, offering a lightweight, elegant drape that sits perfectly against the neckline for a refined yet unmistakably Southwestern look.

Charlotte Begay is a highly regarded Navajo (Diné) artisan celebrated for her mastery of complex beadwork and her keen eye for color harmony. While silversmithing often takes center stage in Navajo art, hand-beading is a deeply traditional craft that requires incredible patience and precision, often mirroring the intricate patterns found in Navajo rugs. By using premium materials like Sleeping Beauty turquoise—highly coveted for its consistent, matrix-free blue color—Begay elevates this traditional medium into a high-art aesthetic. Authentic pieces by Charlotte Begay are cherished by collectors for their technical complexity and their vibrant, modern expression of ancestral Diné motifs.

About The Artist

Charlotte Begay is a talented Navajo (Diné) jewelry artist celebrated for her exquisite, finely detailed seed bead creations. Deeply rooted in the cultural legacy of the Navajo Nation, Begay masterfully bridges the gap between classic Indigenous craftsmanship and vibrant modern design. Her meticulous beadwork elevates a time-honored Native American art form, resulting in distinctive, highly wearable pieces that appeal to collectors of both traditional and contemporary Southwestern jewelry.

More About the Artist

About the Navajo (Diné) Nation

The Navajo Nation, or Diné Bikéyah, is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, spanning over 27,000 square miles across the dramatic landscapes of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Diné (which translates perfectly to “The People”) have a profoundly rich artistic heritage and are recognized globally for their master-level silversmithing, vibrant turquoise jewelry, and intricate textile weavings. Rooted in the guiding philosophy of hózhó—a concept of walking in beauty, harmony, and balance with the natural world—Navajo artistry is a stunning reflection of their deep spiritual connection to the earth and their enduring cultural legacy.