Navajo silversmithing traces its origins to the 1860s and 1870s, when Atsidi Sani and other early practitioners adapted metalworking techniques learned from Spanish and Mexican plateros into a distinctly Dine artistic tradition. Through stamp work, repousse, sand casting, and tufa casting, Navajo silversmiths created an iconic design vocabulary — the squash blossom necklace, the concho belt, the ketoh — that remains the foundation of Southwestern jewelry artistry.
From the red mesas of the Navajo Nation to the galleries of Santa Fe, Thomas Begay has spent five decades refining the techniques first brought to the Diné by Atsidi Sani generations ago. His sand-cast and tufa-cast creations represent a living bridge between ancestral metalworking traditions and contemporary artistic expression, each piece carrying the weight of cultural memory forged in sterling silver.
Provenance
Offered by The Humiovi — family-owned in Sedona, Arizona, since 1972. Every piece in our gallery has a known origin and a verified maker.
Our authenticity guarantee
One of a Kind
The only one of its kind
WARNING: This product can expose you to lead and cadmium, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Low Stock — Only 1 left
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All sales final · 7-day exchanges
Arrives Thu, Jun 25 – Wed, Jul 1
Guaranteed Authentic
Indian Arts and Crafts Act Compliant
Every piece is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity, documenting its provenance and recorded below for Sterling Silver Opal Pendant - 0.75x1 in. #081.
Authenticity Guarantee
This item is guaranteed authentic, handcrafted by a member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, in full compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (25 U.S.C. § 305 et seq.).
Make it a gift
At checkout, add signature gift wrapping, a handwritten note, or a discreet gift receipt — and schedule delivery for the day you choose. Every piece arrives with its Certificate of Authenticity.
Discover this exceptional Native American Pendant, handcrafted by Navajo (Diné) artisans, meticulously crafted in Sterling Silver. This remarkable piece showcases genuine Opal. The Opal featured in this piece carries a rich heritage — While Australian opals are world-renowned, Native American artists often use opals from Nevada and Mexico. The stone's play of color, caused by light diffracting through silica spheres, creates mesmerizing rainbow effects. This piece measures 0.75 inches wide by 1 inches tall. The Navajo Nation spans 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, making it the largest Native American reservation. Navajo silversmiths learned their craft in the 1860s and developed iconic styles including squash blossom necklaces and concho belts. This piece bears the signature of artist Hozho, a mark of authenticity and personal craftsmanship. Every piece at Humiovi is one-of-a-kind — once sold, it can never be replicated. Ships from our gallery in Sedona, Arizona.
SKU: 9569884
Cared for thoughtfully, a handcrafted piece is meant to last generations. A few essentials for this one:
Opal
Delicate and water-sensitive — protect it from knocks, sudden temperature changes, and prolonged moisture.
Sterling silver
Buff with a soft polishing cloth — leaving intentional oxidation intact — and store airtight to slow tarnish.
Last on, first off
Put your piece on after fragrance, lotion, and hairspray — and take it off before water, sleep, and sport.
Store with care
Keep each piece in its own soft pouch, away from direct sun and damp, so softer stones never meet harder ones.
Estimated delivery: Thu, Jun 25 – Wed, Jul 1
Free shipping on orders over $500
Order by 2pm MST for same-day processing
Certificate of Authenticity
Every purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting the artist, tribal affiliation, and materials used in your piece.
Exchange Policy
All sales are final. We offer exchanges within 7 days of delivery for items of equal or greater value. Items must be in new, unworn condition with all original packaging. Custom and personalized pieces are not eligible for exchange.
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Shared heritage
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Pairs Well
Pieces that share this work’s stone or heritage — composed for the same hand.
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