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SKU:00052NE
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At a Glance:
Design: Native American graduated Navajo pearl necklace with smooth hollow sterling silver saucer beads
Stone: None
Color: Bright satin sterling silver with minor scattered oxidation
Accent: None
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed "LY" | Leo Yazzie, Navajo silversmith
Era: Late 20th century
Status: Signed vintage Navajo pearl necklace with classic graduated beadwork and hand-fabricated construction
Condition: Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide
Specifications:
- Wear scale: classic matinee length, falling between collarbone and bust on most wearers
- Center bead diameter: 25 mm (approx. 1")
- Graduated bead range: 11-25 mm, strung on link chain
- Total length: 22 3/8" (including clasp)
- Clasp: traditional wire hook and eye
- Weight: 100.1 grams
Gallery Note:
Rather than relying on surface ornament, this necklace demonstrates the quiet confidence of classic Navajo beadwork, where proportion, silhouette, and craftsmanship define the design. The smoothly graduated strand builds naturally toward an oversized 25 mm center bead before tapering evenly toward the clasp, creating balanced visual weight and an elegant drape along the neckline. Individually linked hollow beads articulate freely, allowing the strand to move comfortably while maintaining its sculptural profile.
Each bead was hand-fabricated from sterling silver sheet, soldered into a hollow form, then finished with smooth surfaces that place the emphasis on contour rather than decoration. Subtle variations among the beads reflect the individuality expected of bench-made work, giving the necklace a character distinct from machine-perfect production while preserving the harmony of the overall composition.
Silver bead necklaces became part of Navajo silversmithing during the late nineteenth century as metalworking traditions evolved throughout the Southwest. By the early twentieth century, hollow sterling beads had become enduring symbols of both personal adornment and portable silver wealth. Their enduring appeal continues to rest in the balance between refined simplicity, skilled fabrication, and timeless versatility.
Hallmark & Maker Notes:
The necklace is signed "LY" on the silver tag at the closure. This maker's mark is associated with Leo Yazzie, a Navajo silversmith from the Black Mesa region of Arizona who later worked in Flagstaff. His introduction to silversmithing began while attending Northern Arizona University, where a metalsmithing elective redirected his studies toward jewelry. By the early 1980s, he was working as a full-time silversmith, a career that continued for more than three decades before his retirement.
Yazzie's work reflects influences rooted in home and family. He has cited the storm-pattern geometry found in his mother’s and grandmother’s Navajo weaving, along with Navajo spiritual teachings, as formative sources. Rather than relying on heavy surface ornament, his designs tend to favor measured spacing and deliberate stone placement, where the pattern is created by the stones themselves. When decorative elements such as stamping and chasing are utilized, they are applied with restraint and precision, supporting the form rather than dominating it.
During his active years, Yazzie worked primarily in sterling silver, sometimes incorporating gold. He preferred fine turquoise alongside coral, sugilite, lapis, and opal. Precisely fitted inlay and controlled settings became consistent features of his mature pieces, emphasizing balance between material and form.
Leo Yazzie's pieces have been widely shown through regional and national galleries, earning juried recognition and developing a strong collector following. With his retirement, signed examples now represent completed studio work from his late 20th- and early 21st-century production period.
✨ Collector inquiries are welcome. SCJ is open to thoughtful questions, documented observations, and new information that deepens the story of a piece. With permission, selected comments from our Members may be featured in our upcoming Collectors Circle Insights publications.
1. All items in our inventory are pre-loved vintage pieces, and even those described as in “excellent” condition may display very minor imperfections from previous ownership. We make every effort to provide clear photos of any visible irregularity so you can make an informed decision before making your purchase.
Each product description page includes the item's vintage condition classification and a Condition Guide to help you understand the overall condition of the silverwork and stones. Please note:
- The guide applies only to the silver and stones.
- Belt straps, bolo cords, and “throw-in” watches are not covered by the guide, but their condition is described individually on their product pages.
- Tarnish is not factored into condition ratings, as patina naturally develops with age and does not affect the integrity of the piece.
2. The measurements are given as close approximations, and slight variations may occur.
3. Every photo represents the exact piece you’ll receive, shown in its actual color and condition. While the jewelry itself is never altered, backgrounds are edited to ensure a clean, consistent display.
4. Because screens display colors differently, the exact shade of a piece may vary slightly from one device to another. If you’re looking for a piece to match an item you already own, we suggest viewing the product's photos on multiple devices for the most accurate assessment of color and overtones.
5. At Silver Cactus Jewelry, we are committed to honoring cultural integrity and accurately representing Indigenous art in accordance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. We carefully describe each piece in good faith, with complete transparency regarding signed or unsigned status, available provenance, and expert opinion. Attributions to specific artists or tribes are based on expert evaluation but are not guaranteed. Buyers are encouraged to make their own evaluations before purchase.
6. All jewelry is sold as-is. Buyers are responsible for ensuring compatibility with personal sensitivities (e.g., metal allergies).
7. Silver Cactus Jewelry’s liability is limited to the purchase price of the item. No additional warranties are expressed or implied.
Our Approach to Provenance
Every vintage piece carries a story that begins with its maker. Some are clearly signed and dated; others show only a softened hallmark, a sterling/.925 stamp, the place of production or tribal indicator
—and some bear no markings at all.
Evaluation of Unsigned, Unclear, or Unknown Marks
Pre-loved vintage jewelry rarely includes formal documentation. When hallmarks are unclear or missing, we look to the piece itself for insight into provenance and authenticity. Our evaluation may include:
- Partial or unknown marks (used as reference points for further research into tribes, families, or regional styles)
- Historical context
- Materials (stone, metal, findings, patina)
- Construction (handwork, joins, settings, finishing)
- Available reference materials
- Stylistic details (motifs, proportions, technique clues)
Attribution & Provenance Disclosure
Each piece is described in good faith and with careful attention to accuracy. We provide full transparency regarding whether a piece is signed or unsigned, any known or available provenance, and our informed professional assessment at the time of listing.
Attributions to specific artists, tribes, or mines are based on stylistic analysis, materials, construction techniques, historical context, and available reference material. In cases where hallmarks are unclear, partial, or absent, even recognized experts may reasonably differ in their conclusions. For this reason, all attributions should be understood as informed opinions rather than absolute guarantees.
Native American jewelry is a living tradition, and the learning process never truly ends. Our understanding continues to evolve through ongoing research and the exchange of knowledge with fellow collectors, scholars, artisans, and informed clients. This ongoing dialogue helps preserve accuracy, context, and integrity—ensuring we remain a trusted source of information rather than presenting any single interpretation as final.
Collectors who value this shared approach to learning are invited to join the Collectors Circle, where we exchange newly uncovered information, historical insights, and evolving perspectives on materials, makers, and regional traditions. This collaborative environment allows knowledge to grow responsibly and ensures that both collectors and researchers benefit from continued discovery.
We encourage collectors and enthusiasts to conduct their own independent evaluation prior to purchase. For a detailed explanation of our methodology, limitations, and guarantees, please refer to our Terms of Service.
For general questions, you may contact us at info@silvercactusjewelry.com.
A Word About Our Insurance Tag
Silver Cactus Jewelry pieces are vintage and one of a kind—often irreplaceable. To honor their history and protect your investment, each item is carefully inspected and secured with an Insurance Tag, ensuring it arrives as represented.
🛡️ Why the Insurance Tag Matters
- It guarantees your piece has been inspected prior to shipment.
- Protects your purchase during transit and for 30 calendar days from the delivery date, so long as the tag remains attached and unaltered.
- Simplifies returns when the tag is intact and secured, even in the event of damage.
⚠️ Important: Removing the Insurance Tag terminates the insurance and voids the return policy.
This safeguard preserves the integrity of rare collectibles while reinforcing our commitment to excellence and a client experience that meets or exceeds expectations. For detailed information about our insurance policy, please view our Terms of Service.
Once you are satisfied with your purchase, or after the return period has concluded, you may remove the Insurance Tag. In the unlikely event that any minor adhesive residue remains, a moist pad and jeweler’s cloth are included for gentle cleaning and light polishing.
For questions about your order, please contact us at support@silvercactusjewelry.com.
For Return Authorizations (RAs) or questions about returns, please review our Return Policy and contact us at returns@silvercactusjewelry.com.
For general questions, you can reach us at info@silvercactusjewelry.com.
