Navajo Sterling Silver Bead Necklace Set by Shaneen Begay

Description

Each bead is hand drawn, punched for holes, stamped, soldered, polished and hand strung.  Navajo artist Shaneen Begay created this fabulous arrangement of handmade stamped beads.   The satin beads are 13 mm, and the necklace is finished off with a hook and eye and cones.  Comes with matching earrings.  This gorgeous necklace set will elevate your jewelry collection and is so versatile, it will look great with any outfit.  The necklace weighs 68 grams, and the earrings weigh 4 grams.  Signed.

23  7/8” long- Necklace

1  3/4″ long- Earrings (including ear wire)

Artist card included

The Navajos began working with silver in the 19th century, and began making things like buckles, bridles, buttons, rings, canteens, hollow beads, earrings, crescent-shaped pendants (called “najas”), bracelets, crosses, powder chargers, tobacco canteens, and conchos (for belts).  Their silversmithing skills has evolved and changed throughout the years, and in about 1880 Navajo silversmiths started to set turquoise in their silver work.  Traditionally, Navajo artists worked with jewelry techniques like repousee and stamp work, but today they explored in other Native American jewelry making techniques like Zuni inlay work and Hopi overlay work.

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