This sterling silver and spiny oyster pendant was created by Navajo silversmith, Selena Warner, step-daughter of famous Navajo silversmith Harry Morgan (d), daughter of Betty Joe and wife of Greg Pat. Selena learned silversmithing from her father-in-law and master jeweler, Harry Morgan. She has applied his methods of old pawn style silversmithing to her work. Her jewelry is colorful and unique!
The pendant measures 1-1/2 inch long, including the satin finished, stamped silver bale. There is a stylized bear stampde upon the bale. The pendant weighs 5 grams. Brand new and in perfect condition. Hallmarked by the artist. Certificate of Authenticity included and gift box included.
Spiny oyster, otherwise known as spondylus, is a large family of mollusks. They are sometimes also known as "thorny oysters". Despite its name, the Spiny Oyster is more closely related to the scallop than to the true oyster. As one of the main staples of the Native American jewelry community, these shells are treasured by artisans for their various colors. The reason for their vibrant coloration is because of the oyster's different diets of seaweed and other types of plankton. Spiny Oyster Shells are commonly found in the Sea of Cortez, or off the coast Baja California. Imagine the amount of work required to polish this thorny shell into the smooth pendant that you see here.