Single Inlaid Bead Necklace with Night Sky Design [SOLD]

A single jet orb is inlaid with coral, turquoise, silver, and cultured opal stars surrounding two sun faces in a night sky. Occasionally we receive a piece that is unique among others we have had in the past. This single bead choker is such an item. Diné artist Ernest Benally magically set many tiny multi-colored stars and two iridescent faces onto a single jet marble. The round centerpiece is connected on either side with two six-pointed silver stars that connect it to a handmade chain.

Ernest Benally is a prize winning Diné jeweler from Gallup, New Mexico. He has won multiple awards, including ones at Santa Fe's Indian Market, the Heard Museum Show, and Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial. His work is distinguished by fine lapidary work. He is considered to be one of the best lapidary artists working today.

His hallmark is a hogan symbol with E Benally stamped above the hogan. This necklace has the maker's hallmark stamped on the clasp of the chain.

Condition: the inlaid bead necklace is in excellent condition.

Provenance: this Single Inlaid Bead Necklace with Night Sky Design is from a New Mexican collection

Reference: Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry II: A-L

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo, necklace, Ernest Benally