Navajo Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Lapis, and Buffalo Nickel Necklace by Betty Yellowhorse (SOLD)

Native American Navajo necklace by Betty Yellowhorse - $550

NECKLACE:

21-1/2" L -- Necklace (open) without pendants

PENDANT:

2-3/6" L

1-11/16" W

CLASP: Lobster claw clasp

CONDITION: Vintage, Never Worn

This beautiful necklace, handmade by renowned Navajo artist Betty Yellowhorse, consists of a strand of turquoise beads in a deep blue-green color, interspersed with lapis nugget beads. The pendant is made of a deeply veined turquoise cabochon in a sterling silver bezel set, and three Buffalo nickels framing a delicate round turquoise stone in the center. Two nickels are presented obverse, and one reverse.

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 back of this necklace is stamped sterling silver, and bears Yellowhorse's hallmark proving its authenticity. 

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.