Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Navajo Vintage Turquoise and Sterling Silver Pendant by D. Sloane

$285

Artist: D. Sloane
Style: Pendant
Nation: Navajo (Diné)
Period: Vintage (1960-1990)
Materials: Sterling Silver and Turquoise
Size: 2” H x 1.5” W
Item: #4969

NOTE: Pendent only. Chain not included.

Categories: , ,

Out of stock

Description

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

Exhibit the timeless elegance of Diné silversmithing with this vintage sterling silver pendant by Navajo artisan D. Sloane. At the heart of the piece is a striking, teardrop-shaped turquoise cabochon featuring a vibrant sky-blue hue accented by a delicate, honey-colored matrix. The stone is secured in a traditional sawtooth bezel and framed by an intricate array of silverwork, including a hand-stamped border, oxidized recessed details, and a substantial, decorated bail. This piece captures the “Old Style” Navajo aesthetic, offering a balanced weight and a soulful patina that only comes with age and authentic wear.

The craftsmanship of D. Sloane is characterized by a deep respect for the physical properties of the turquoise stone, ensuring the silverwork serves to elevate rather than overshadow the natural gem. In the Navajo tradition, pendants of this scale were designed to be versatile, often worn on a simple leather cord or a set of “Navajo Pearl” silver beads. The use of hand-stamped textures and oxidized shadows provides a dimensional quality that makes the bright blue of the turquoise truly pop. For the collector of mid-century Southwestern art, this pendant represents a masterful blend of technical precision and the enduring spirit of the Diné people.

About The Artist

D. Sloane is a recognized Navajo (Diné) silversmith who became prominent during the late 20th-century flourish of Southwestern jewelry art. Known for a style that bridges traditional “Sandcast” looks with more contemporary stamped fabrication, Sloane’s work is often identified by its clean lines and the use of high-grade turquoise from iconic American mines. While many Navajo artisans moved toward high-glitz modernism, Sloane remained a steward of the classic aesthetic—utilizing sawtooth bezels, heavy-gauge silver, and traditional stamp patterns.

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.