Up for your consideration is this large Native American handmade genuine turquoise sterling silver pendant created by the legendary Zuni artists, Robert & Bernice Leekya. The pendant measures 4-1/2 inch long by 1-1/2 inch wide. The pendant is set with two natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise nuggets and adorned with applied sterling silver fans. The pendant weighs 45 grams. The over-sized bale will handle a necklace or beads up to 5/8 inch diameter.
Brand new and in perfect condition. Certificate of Authenticity and gift box included with your purchase. Hallmarked by the artists, with their distinctive RLB hallmark.
Robert Leekya is the son of famous fetish carver Leekya Deyuse. When his children entered school, Leekya requested that they take his first name as their surname. All of his children (Alice, Sarah, Elizabeth, Robert and Roger) did so. Robert and Bernice are a very well sought after couple, with deep roots in the Native American Jewelry community. The Leekya's work is bought by collectors all over the world. Robert's father (Old Man Aque or Leekya Deyuse) is the world's most famous early Zuni Carver. Bernice's Father was Teddy Weahkee. The Leekya's are now elderly and they make only a small amount of high end items.
The Leekya'a work is becoming increasing difficult to obtain due to Robert's recent health problems. In addition, due to the closing of the Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine, the prices on any new jewelry that they make, reflects the increases in the price of Sleeping Beauty turquoise.