Here's a unique necklace, created by Navajo artist, James McCabe. James McCabe uses authentic old Mercury dime coins to create this necklace. Mercury dimes were minted from 1916 until 1946. The coins are commonly known by the misnomer "Mercury dimes", although they contain no mercury and although the figure on the coin is often thought to be the Roman god Mercury, is in fact a depiction of Liberty (a Winged Liberty Head design). The Mercury dime is considered to be one of the most visually appealing of all U.S. coins, and is highly sought after by collectors.
In addition to making jewelry, James is also a coin collector, which is what gave him the inspiration for these necklaces although Navajos have been using coins in their jewelry for many years.
An old 1921 U.S. Morgan Silver Dollar with a genuine turquoise stone above it serves as the centerpiece for this beautiful necklace. First minted in 1878, the Morgan silver dollar was produced during American's largest silver strike, which occurred in the mid 1870's. Though it never gained broad appeal during it's production run, (1878-1904, 1921), its connection to an important period of American history, has made it a highly sought after piece among collectors. Older Morgans are rare because they were melted down to make the 1921 Morgans.
The Mercury dime beads, which actually are two domed dimes bonded together, are formed using a very old Navajo technique in which the artist uses a mold to transform flat dimes into domed dimes. The dimes are drilled with a hole for stringing and the two halves are bonded together to make hollow "beads". The beads are strung on the necklace and are separated by robin's egg blue Sleeping Beauty turquoise rondel beads.
The necklace measures 24-1/2 inches from end to end and 14 inches long from the back of the neck to the bottom of the silver dollar.
Brand new and in perfect condition. Gift Box and Certificate of Authenticity included. Hallmarked 'JMc' and 'Navajo' inconspicuously on one of the cones.
James McCabe's jewelry is becoming scarce & hard to find because he is currently unable to make jewelry due to an unfortunate situation, which we won't go into here. Let's just say he is MIA. It may be quite a few years before James is able to make jewelry again.
