Sharon Francisco 9-Stone Golden Hills Turquoise Cluster Necklace, Navajo Sterling Silver

A Navajo cluster necklace set with nine Golden Hills turquoise stones, handmade in sterling silver by Sharon Francisco.

The piece. Eight oval stones ring a center stone in a round flower-style cluster. Each stone sits in its own smooth bezel, the center stone is circled by twisted silver wire, and small silver dots sit between the outer stones. The pendant hangs from an oxidized sterling chain with a lobster clasp.

The stones. Golden Hills turquoise from Kazakhstan, 9 stones, bezel set, in pale blue with brown and golden matrix. Natural turquoise varies, so every stone is a little different.

The artist. Sharon Francisco is a Navajo silversmith. The pendant carries the artist's hallmark, "Sharon Francisco", 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: Sharon Francisco, Navajo
• Hallmark: Sharon Francisco, Sterling
• Stone: Golden Hills turquoise (Kazakhstan), 9 stones, bezel set
• Metal: Sterling silver
• Pendant size: 1.5 x 1.5 inches
• Chain: 18 inches
• Weight: 25.5 grams
• Condition: New

Questions buyers ask

Is this authentic Native American jewelry? Yes. It was handmade by Navajo artist Sharon Francisco and carries the artist's hallmark.

How long is the chain? The chain is 18 inches, which usually sits at or just below the collarbone.

How big is the pendant? The cluster measures 1.5 by 1.5 inches.

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# NK-T200