Golden Hills Turquoise and Spiny Oyster Pendant FJP2301

RAINDROPS are seen frequently throughout Native American jewelry. Sterling silver drops or "raindrops" are a traditional design element. They can be smooth and highly polished or they can be starlike and oxidized.

TWISTED WIRE metalworking is a very old technique used by many Southwestern tribes. It can be found in both vintage and modern pieces.

GOLDEN HILLS TURQUOISE Unique periwinkle blues and beautiful burnt umber matrix have made this turquoise an instant favorite in the Southwest. Coming from the Altyn-Tyube mine in Kazakhstan, this hard, high-grade material produces gorgeous natural cabochons.

SPINY OYSTER SHELL Spiny Oyster Shell is often inlaid or used as cabochons in Southwest-style jewelry. The color combination of Spiny Oyster and turquoise is as old as the human love for adornment.  Coming all the way from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, Spiny Oyster Shell is most commonly seen in orange, red, and purple. The more strident the color, the more expensive the shell is.  Red and purple shells are found a much greater depth than the brilliant oranges and are rare and more expensive.