Description
Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent vintage condition.
Celebrate the earthy elegance of the Southwest with this vintage Diné (Navajo) sterling silver pendant, meticulously handcrafted by artisan E. Richards. This piece is centered around a lush, forest-green turquoise cabochon with a mesmerizing deep brown and golden matrix that ripples across the stone’s surface. The setting features classic Navajo ornamentation, including a hand-twisted wire rope border and a series of meticulously placed silver “raindrops” or beads. These elements are set against an oxidized silver background, creating a shadow-box effect that makes the vibrant green of the stone truly stand out. This listing is for the pendant only; its substantial, tapered bail is designed to accommodate various styles of chains or silver beads.
The craftsmanship of E. Richards reflects a mid-to-late 20th-century dedication to balanced, harmonious design. Rather than relying on heavy casting, this piece utilizes sophisticated fabrication techniques—layering silver components to create depth and texture. In Navajo tradition, green turquoise is often associated with the fertile earth and plant life, making it a powerful symbol of growth and renewal. The deliberate use of oxidation within the recesses gives the pendant an “Old Style” soulful patina, ensuring it feels like a storied heirloom from the moment it is worn. For the collector, this pendant is a perfect balance of traditional symbolic motifs and refined, wearable art.
