Ray Tracey Sterling Silver Navajo Yei Figure Pendant with Coral and Jet [SOLD]

Diné Silversmith Ray Tracey precisely cut coral and jet gemstones and set them into sterling silver channels in this Navajo Yei figure pendant. The artist rendered a sterling silver face with horns that rests above a triangular shaped body. Ray Tracey is known as one of the early innovators in modern Native American jewelry. He has been creating masterpieces for thirty years. His creative technique and designs were groundbreaking. The winner of multiple awards, his work has been featured in magazines and publications and shown in galleries and museums worldwide. 

Ray Tracey was born on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona in 1953. He began making jewelry when he was nine years old. One summer, he complained to his mother that he was bored. She enrolled him in summer school where he immediately was attracted to the arts and crafts room and the silversmithing table. He made his first ring that summer and gave it to his mother. 

This pendant is part of the Marvin and Betty Rubin estate. The records indicate the couple purchased it directly from the artist, but the date is not included. It is signed with Tracey’s distinctive feather hallmark.

The Rubins commissioned a ring from a separate artist to complement this pendant.  It is being posted concurrently as our Item #C4504.22 (see Related Items below).

Condition: excellent condition. 

Provenance: this Ray Tracey Sterling Silver Navajo Yei Figure Pendant with Coral and Jet is from the Marvin and Betty Rubin estate.

Recommended Reading: CONTEMPORARY SOUTHWESTERN JEWELRY by Diana Pardue