Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo BENNY RATION Turtle Pin Brooch Pendant

  

We have similar Native Navajo items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Age Circa: Vintage Native Navajo. Markings: BR Maker's Mark, STERLING, Tested, and Guaranteed.

Country of Origin: United States, Navajo Nation. Main Stone Measurements/Color: 12.75 mm long by 8.3 mm wide; Bright blue hue with black matrix. Stone Treatment: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists.

Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester. Stone Cuts: Carved and Polished Cabochon. Item Measurements: The pendant measures 2.7 long and 1.7.

Closure/Clasp Type: Pin Stem with closing "C" clasp and large bale. Notable Features: This necklace pendant was handmade with Navajo craftsmanship and design. 925 sterling silver and Kingman turquoise, this turtle necklace pendant was handcrafted by a skilled Navajo silversmith in the American Southwest. The artisan would have hand-hammered the sterling silver, carved the stones and every aspect of the piece would have been handmade. The body of the large pendant has been hand formed into the shape of a turtle, with scalloped silver accents on the turtle shell. In the center of the shell is a Kingman turquoise stone with a bright blue hue, black matrix, and which has been carved into a polished cabochon. The turquoise stone rests in a sterling silver bezel setting which keeps the stone secure. The shiny tone of the silver perfectly complements the stone, drawing attention to its vivid hue.

The silver turtle is large in size and has ornate details giving the piece increased depth and dimension. The body of the piece is sterling silver and has been finished off with a pin stem with closing C clasp, along with a large standard bale. The inclusion of both closures means this piece can be worn as a pin brooch or necklace pendant, adding value. An exquisite example of Navajo jewelry, this brooch pendant would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection or make a wonderful gift. Don't miss your chance to preserve this amazing piece of American history.

There is a marker price on the bottom of the piece. This listing is for the item only. This beautiful piece was made by a very talented Native American silversmith. It features handcrafted silversmith work throughout. Antique Native American jewelry is very rare to find. This is due to these pieces being made for reservation and personal use before the tourist trade became popular. Very few pieces were made and even less survived to today. The Navajo Nation sits on 27,000 square miles within the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo have a rich history and culture and have become known for creating some of the finest sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, incorporating their own traditional motifs with silversmithing.

The squash blossom necklace is perhaps one the most famous Navajo styles produced, along with turquoise inlay rings. Turquoise is an important stone in Navajo culture; symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and good health. The first Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Sani, was taught around 1865 by a Mexican silversmith. Atsidi Sani in turn taught his four sons, who then started teaching other Navajo artisans.

In the beginning, Navajo artisans created sterling silver jewelry for themselves and others in the Navajo Nation. The concept of Pawn, Old Pawn, and Dead Pawn Native American Jewelry came to be in the 1800s. When a loan wasnt repaid, the item became known as either Old Pawn or Dead Pawn. Turquoise is found all over the world and has been a popular semi-precious stone used in jewelry and art for thousands of years by many different cultures; from prehistoric times to the present. Turquoise comes in many beautiful color variations; from the popular bright solid sky-blue hues to dark blue hues with dark spiderwebbing throughout, as well as aqua, teal, and many green varieties, and even some rare white with dark spiderwebbing.

Kingman Turquoise comes from one of the largest turquoise mines in North America, out of Kingman, Arizona. This mine was discovered by prehistoric Native Americans over a 1000 years ago and is one of the oldest operating turquoise mines in America; even being traded with the Maya. It is highly prized for its black iron pyrite matrix and beautiful rich sky-blue color and has become an industry standard.

The mine produces green turquoise as well, which is also very popular. The item "Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo BENNY RATION Turtle Pin Brooch Pendant" is in sale since Sunday, January 13, 2019. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Ethnic, Regional & Tribal\Native American\Necklaces & Pendants". The seller is "abeautifultimeco" and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
• Metal: Sterling Silver
• Jewelry Type: Pendants
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Country of Origin: United States, Navajo Nation
• Modified Item: No
• Main Stone: Turquoise
• Metal Purity: .925
• Ethnic Origin: Navajo
• Brand: BENNY RATION