Vintage 1970s Rita Abeita Navajo Sterling Silver & Turquoise Bear Claw Statement Necklace

Details

Description

A monumental piece of Southwestern jewelry history, this vintage 1970s Navajo statement necklace is handcrafted by renowned silversmith Rita Abeita. … Read more A monumental piece of Southwestern jewelry history, this vintage 1970s Navajo statement necklace is handcrafted by renowned silversmith Rita Abeita. The high-impact design features an impressive central naja drop pendant flanked by two opposing genuine bear claws, accented by two coordinating side clusters.
Each natural claw is fitted with heavily constructed, custom hand-stamped sterling silver casings. The settings display striking, intensely hued turquoise nuggets with a delicate natural dark matrix, entirely framed by custom turquoise inlay borders and sawtooth bezels. The piece hangs from traditional, seamless double-to-single strands of bench-made silver beads (Navajo Pearls) with a secure hook-and-eye closure. This is a pre-owned item so please see all pictures and ask any questions.

• Artist/Maker: Rita Abeita (Navajo)
• Markings: Stamped with the artist’s signature "RA" hallmark on the reverse of the drop pendant.
• Metal: Unmarked, but it was incredibly common for mid-century and 1970s Native American artisans to omit a commercial "925" or "Sterling" stamp, relying entirely on their unique artisan hallmark.
• Materials: Sterling Silver, Genuine Turquoise, Natural Bear Claws.
• Period: Circa 1970s. See less