Navajo R.W. James Sterling, 14K Gold, #8 Turquoise & Coral Pendant Necklace, 1977

A bold and masterfully crafted Navajo pendant necklace by silversmith R.W. James, dated 1977. This striking piece showcases sterling silver bench beads paired with a pendant set with vibrant #8 Mine turquoise, deep red coral, and 14K yellow gold accents. A statement of Southwestern artistry, blending rare materials with expert silversmithing.

Details & Specifications

Markings & Inscriptions:

• Signed: R.W. James
• Dated: 7-4-77
• Additional inscription on reverse: $1,050.00 (likely an early pricing notation)

Materials & Design:

• Sterling silver with bezel-set #8 turquoise and coral cabochons
• Large #8 Mine turquoise cabochon: 36.8 mm x 28 mm, with vivid blue color and dramatic black spiderweb matrix
• Red coral cabochons: largest 19.8 mm x 11.6 mm; smallest 10.82 mm x 7.3 mm
• Polished claw element (claw length 1.23" / 3.12 cm)
• Applied 14K yellow gold leaf and beaded accents
• Decorative stamped silver and rope-twist borders
• Pendant dimensions: 2.8" x 2.2" x 0.35" (7.11 cm x 5.59 cm x 0.89 cm)

Chain:

• (100) sterling silver bench beads strung on a 1.32 mm foxtail chain
• Bead sizes range from 5.2 mm to 7.6 mm
• Traditional hook clasp
• Necklace length: 26" (66 cm)

Weight:

• 90.80 g

Condition

Good vintage condition with natural patina. Stones are securely set and free from cracks or major chips. Silver and gold surfaces show light wear consistent with age. We will leave polishing to the buyer to preserve its original character and patina.

Historical Context

The turquoise featured in this necklace comes from the famed Number 8 Mine in Nevada, long celebrated for producing some of the finest turquoise ever discovered. Known for its vivid blue hues and dramatic spiderweb matrix, Number 8 turquoise is highly prized by collectors. The mine was exhausted and closed to turquoise mining in the 1970s, making authentic specimens like this increasingly rare.

R.W. James is a Navajo (Diné) silversmith whose signed works date to the 1970s. His signed, dated works stand as scarce and desirable examples of mid-20th-century Navajo silversmithing. The engraved date of July 4, 1977, situates this necklace at the height of the bold turquoise and coral jewelry movement, when Navajo artisans produced some of their most iconic statement pieces.

An impressive and rare Navajo necklace by R.W. James, featuring sterling silver bench beads and a large pendant set with #8 turquoise, red coral, and 14K yellow gold. Signed, dated, and substantial in scale, this piece will appeal to collectors of Native American jewelry and connoisseurs of fine turquoise alike.