Sterling Silver Spiny Kingman Turquoise Pendant

A one-of-a-kind pendant, handmade in sterling silver and inspired by traditional Native American silverwork. A 12x12mm square cabochon of Spiny Kingman Turquoise sits at its centre, surrounded by a frame of hand-applied silver balls, sometimes called raindrops. It hangs on a sterling silver belcher chain.

What is Spiny Kingman Turquoise?

This striking stone brings together two of the most treasured materials of the American Southwest: Spiny Oyster shell and Kingman Turquoise from Arizona.

Small pieces of the vivid, warm-toned Spiny Oyster shell and the blue Kingman Turquoise are compressed together and bonded to form a single stone, which is then stabilised to harden it so it is strong and long-lasting. The result is a beautiful mix of fiery shell and sky-blue turquoise, and because every stone is made from different pieces, the pattern in each one is completely unique. Using smaller pieces in this way also means none of these precious natural materials go to waste.

The history of the Spiny Oyster

The Spiny Oyster is a sea shell known for its spiky outer shell and rich colours of red, orange, purple and yellow. It is found in the warm waters of the Gulf of California and the Pacific coast.

For well over a thousand years, Native American peoples of the Southwest have treasured Spiny Oyster shell. Ancient peoples traded it hundreds of miles inland from the coast and carved it into beads, pendants and ornaments, often pairing it with turquoise. The combination of red shell and blue turquoise has remained a classic in Native American jewellery ever since, especially in the work of Zuni and Navajo artists.

Kingman Turquoise comes from the famous Kingman mine in Mohave County, Arizona, where Native Americans first mined turquoise centuries ago and which is still producing today. This pendant brings these two timeless materials together in one stone.

Details

• Metal: Sterling silver
• Stone: Spiny Kingman Turquoise (Spiny Oyster shell and Kingman Turquoise compressed together, stabilised), 12x12mm square cabochon
• Design: Ball (raindrop) frame, inspired by traditional Native American silverwork
• Chain: 20 inch, 1.5mm sterling silver belcher chain
• One of a kind: only one available

Love Kingman Turquoise? Take a look at our Sterling Silver Kingman Turquoise Ring, a large statement ring set with natural, untreated Kingman Turquoise and a hand-stamped band.

Handmade by Breathe Jewellery UK.