Navajo Sterling Silver, Turquoise, and Buffalo Nickel Necklace by Betty Yellowhorse

Native American Navajo Necklace by Betty Yellowhorse - $150

PENDANT:  2-9/16" L

BAIL:  3/16" L

CHAIN:  24" L

COIN:  7/8" Diameter 

CLASP: Spring Ring Clasp

CONDITION: Vintage, Never Worn

This delightful necklace, handmade by renowned Navajo artist Betty Yellowhorse, showcases a pendant which consists of a Buffalo nickel dated 1937, presented obverse (with the Indian head design facing forward), three round turquoise cabochons, and three sterling silver charms - a Kokopelli, feather, and badger claw inset with turquoise. This pendant hangs from a sterling silver rope chain. The back of the pendant bears Yellowhorse's signature hallmark, and is stamped sterling silver, proving its authenticity.

Betty Yellowhorse is an accomplished silver smith, working in the rich Navajo tradition. She is known for incorporating beautiful old coins into her jewelry. Working with silver coins in jewelry is a practice which points to a time before the use of sheet silver and bezel wire, and so coin work taps the deepest roots of tradition in Navajo silver jewelry making. Betty Yellowhorse jewelry is imbued with the richness and beauty of this lineage, not only through traditional techniques and designs, but also by incorporating the long history held in such old coins. 

The Buffalo nickel (also called Indian Head nickel) is an American icon. On the three coins in this pendant, as is common for Buffalo nickels, the date has been worn off. This is typical of Buffalo nickels, because the date was placed on a raised part of the design, receiving the most wear throughout decades of circulation. Designed by sculptor James Earl Fraser, these copper-nickel five cent pieces were struck by the United States Mint between 1913 and 1938.

Because these items are hand-crafted by local artisans using traditional techniques, slight variations may occur. Note that colors may vary according to each display monitor.