Navajo Pearls with Two-Sided Medallion [SOLD]

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Tommy Singer, Diné Jeweler
  • Category: Necklaces
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Coral, Turquoise
  • Size: Necklace: 28” long; Pendant: 2 ¼” diameter
  • Item # C3902M
  • SOLD

Tommy Singer was born on the Navajo Reservation near Window Rock, Arizona. His father was a Hathali, or medicine man, who began teaching Tommy to make jewelry at the age of 7. He went on to become one of the most well-regarded Navajo silversmiths. In the early 1970s, Singer began experimenting with a technique referred to as chip inlay.

Chip inlay is a method where designs are formed by filling carved spaces with a mixture of crushed turquoise or coral and epoxy resin. First, the silver is cut, then the blank spaces are filled in with the stone mixture. After the mixture has hardened, the surface is smoothed over by polishing.  At a time when turquoise was very expensive, it was an innovative way to “recycle” small pieces that were left over from the cutting and shaping of larger stones.

Tommy Singer is recognized as the first person to use this innovative, resourceful technique.  It was a way to create complex designs in an economical way.  Although cost-effective, this method is extremely time consuming and requires skill. Tommy Singer’s early pieces show he was a skillful craftsman.

This two-sided medallion is a testament to the creative skill of Tommy Singer. Set on 28 inches of hand-made “Navajo Pearls,” this two-sided pendant features a bird design. On one side the coral is on the top, and the turquoise is on the bottom of the medallion. On the opposite side, it is reversed.

Interestingly, on both sides, there seems to be a “spirit line” on the bottom feather where the artist has allowed the silver design to connect with the silver frame surrounding the bird motif. As in Navajo weaving, where the weaver leaves a pathway to free her spirit, it looks as if Tommy Singer has made a spirit line in silver.

This piece has no place where a signature could easily be placed. However, the quality of the work is of the caliber that could only be done by Tommy Singer.


Condition: the Navajo Pearls with Two-Sided Medallion is in excellent condition: the stones and coral are perfect.

Provenance: from the collection of an Albuquerque resident

Recommended Reading: American Indian Jewelry I, 1,200 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf

Tommy Singer, Diné Jeweler
  • Category: Necklaces
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, Coral, Turquoise
  • Size: Necklace: 28” long; Pendant: 2 ¼” diameter
  • Item # C3902M
  • SOLD

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