Sheila Becenti 7-Stone Blue Bird Turquoise Cluster Pendant, Navajo Sterling Silver

A 2.5-inch Navajo cluster pendant set with seven Blue Bird turquoise stones, handmade in sterling silver by Sheila Becenti.

The piece. An oval center stone framed in fine silver beadwork sits between two fans of three stones each, one above and one below, for a bold butterfly-like silhouette. Each stone has its own hand-formed bezel, with silver dot accents between them and an oxidized background that makes the blue stand out. The stones are a bright robin's-egg blue, several with flecks of white host rock. A wide silver bail sits on a sturdy wire loop.

The stone. Blue Bird is a classic Southwestern turquoise prized for its clear, bright blue color. The light host rock showing through on several stones gives each one its own pattern.

The artist. Sheila Becenti is a Navajo silversmith. The back of this pendant is stamped with her hallmark, "Sheila", and "Sterling".

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. Cluster work like this, gathering several stones into one design, is one of the tradition's signature styles.

Details

• Artist: Sheila Becenti, Navajo
• Hallmark: Sheila, Sterling
• Stone: Blue Bird turquoise, 7 stones
• Metal: 925 sterling silver, oxidized finish
• Size: 2.5 inches long x 1 inch wide
• Weight: 20 grams

Questions buyers ask

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

Why are there white spots in the stones? That is 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-T135