Betty Tom 5-Stone Nevada Blue Bird Turquoise Drop Pendant, Navajo Sterling Silver

A 2.5-inch Navajo drop pendant set with five Nevada Blue Bird turquoise stones, handmade in sterling silver by Betty Tom.

The piece. A single teardrop stone hangs below a wide silver bail and links to a cluster of four more: a triangular center stone framed in hand-applied silver beadwork, with three smaller stones fanned beneath it and silver dot accents between them. The link lets the cluster swing freely as you move. The stones are a bright robin's-egg to sky blue, several with white and dark host rock that makes each one unique.

The stone. This Blue Bird turquoise comes from Nevada, the state that has produced more American turquoise than any other. It is prized for its clear, bright blue color. The host rock showing through on the top and center stones gives each one its own pattern.

The artist. Betty Tom is a Navajo silversmith. The back of this pendant is stamped with her hallmark, "Betty Tom".

Navajo tradition. Navajo (Diné) silversmithing is a living art form more than 150 years old. Navajo smiths learned metalwork from Mexican plateros in the mid-1800s, and by the 1880s they were setting turquoise in hand-worked silver. Clustered stones and fine applied beadwork like this are signature details of the tradition.

Details

• Artist: Betty Tom, Navajo
• Hallmark: Betty Tom
• Stone: Blue Bird turquoise, Nevada, 5 stones
• Metal: 925 sterling silver, oxidized finish
• Size: 2.5 inches
• Weight: 14.8 grams

Questions buyers ask

Is this authentic Native American jewelry? Yes. It was handmade by Navajo artist Betty Tom and carries her hallmark.

Why are there white spots in the stones? That is natural host rock, the stone the turquoise formed in. It gives every stone its own pattern, so no two pieces look alike.

How do I care for it? Put it on last and take it off first. Wipe with a soft dry cloth and keep it away from lotion, perfume, water and ultrasonic cleaners.

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Item# PD-T133