Sterling silver rolled sheet and drawn wire were utilized in crafting the hinged centerpiece and fan shaped terminals of the necklace as well as chain closure. The rounded and "diamond" shaped melon beads are earlier and were made of ingot silver mill rolled by hand into sheet. Each half was shaped using a two-part stamp, then soldered together.
It was common to trade for beads created by a bead specialist. Artists often worked with each other to finish pieces.
Hand-cut turquoise stones were bezel set among the stamp textured leaves and flowers of the dramatic large hinged centerpiece. These stones measure 3/4" X 1/2" to 7/8" X 9/16".
Because of the chain finish used to secure this necklace, it can be adjusted to fit the purchaser without change to its original design. It does taper to fit more as a stand-up choker and is an absolutely stunning collar !
Description | Sterling silver rolled sheet and drawn wire were utilized in crafting the hinged centerpiece and fan shaped terminals of the necklace as well as chain closure. The rounded and "diamond" shaped melon beads are earlier and were made of ingot silver mill rolled by hand into sheet. Each half was shaped using a two-part stamp, then soldered together. It was common to trade for beads created by a bead specialist. Artists often worked with each other to finish pieces. Hand-cut turquoise stones were bezel set among the stamp textured leaves and flowers of the dramatic large hinged centerpiece. These stones measure 3/4" X 1/2" to 7/8" X 9/16". Because of the chain finish used to secure this necklace, it can be adjusted to fit the purchaser without change to its original design. It does taper to fit more as a stand-up choker and is an absolutely stunning collar ! |
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About the Artist | (Born 1946, Navajo) Active since the 1970's, Johnson tends to work in a traditional style of Navajo jewelry. |
Culture | American Indian, Navajo |
Medium | Sterling silver and natural turquoise |
Troy ounces | 3.38 troy ounces |
Size | Finial to finial is 12" with 3 1/2" of chain. Width of the four strands is 1". Centerpiece is 3 3/4" height X 2 3/8" maximum width |
Signed | "GGJ" stamped on plate |
Date of creation | Circa 1975, but beads are earlier, possibly 1940's. |
Condition | Excellent |
Turquoise | High grade natural blue turquoise, bird's eye water web |
Provenance | CP 3092 |
Gram weight | 105.1 grams |