Turquoise and Spondylus Necklace

This style of necklace was introduced by the ancient cultures of the Southwest before European contact and the advent of silversmithing. Spondylus shell, a Pacific thorny oyster, was traded from South America and Mexico along a route that extended into the desert Southwest of North America.

The orange red shell represented the Mother Earth to these indigenous peoples and the turquoise represented Father Sky. The combination of the two together denotes balance.

Three strands of handmade, drilled disc turquoise beads, of graduated sizes and varying natural hues, are accented at the clasp by pink spondylus shell beads and sterling silver beads. The large mosaic pendant is composed of a whole spondylus shell. Mosaic squares of flat turquoise and orange spondylus shell, bordered with jet and clamshell make up the handsome design. The turquoise beads are irregular due to their being individually made by hand and to the natural matrixes found in the stone.

Native American jewelry designer, Delbert Crespin, made this stunning necklace in the early 1990's. It is 24 in. long and One of a Kind.The shell pendant is 3 in. by 3.5 in. This is a piece to be treasured for generations. Free Shipping Dom. USA