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SKU:00063NE4NJ12368
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At a Glance:
Design: Signed vintage spiderweb turquoise and sterling silver bead necklace with bench-made beads, three suspended stone stations, and a tandem center drop
Stone: Spiderweb turquoise with professional opinions noting both Kingman and high-grade Hubei visual possibilities
Color: Perfectly matched saturated blue turquoise with reddish brown spiderweb matrix and darker host-rock movement
Accent: Heavy-gauge pendant settings with twisted wire borders, stamped side accents, and oxidized silver depth
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed BEN.S | Ben Sandoval, Navajo silversmith
Era: Late 20th century, most likely 1980s
Status: Signed turquoise and sterling silver statement necklace
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide
Specifications:
- Wear scale: princess-length statement necklace spanning the upper chest
- Largest stone: 1 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
- Center drop station: 4 3/4" (including bail)
- Side stations length range: 2 1/4" - 2 1/2"
- Beads: approx. 7 mm
- Total length: 17 3/4" (including clasp)
- Weight: 90.3 grams
Gallery Note:
This signed necklace is a serious turquoise statement piece: saturated blue spiderweb stones, heavy sterling pendant settings, and a strong bead construction that sits high across the chest. The design is built around three suspended turquoise stations, with the center pendant extending into a dramatic tandem drop that adds movement, length, and visual focus to the necklace.
The turquoise is the immediate draw. Each cabochon shows a vivid blue color moving through a reddish-brown spiderweb matrix, with darker host-rock passages that add depth and contrast. The stones have the kind of bold surface activity collectors look for in spiderweb turquoise, while the matching color family keeps the necklace cohesive rather than busy.
Sandoval’s silverwork gives the piece its structure. The pendant settings feature substantial bezels, twisted-wire borders, stamped side accents, and a dark oxidized ground that sharpens the blue of the stones. The bench-made sterling beads add weight and rhythm, shifting from a double-strand center section to a single strand toward the clasp for a balanced, wearable drape.
The turquoise is presented transparently. Professional review has produced two plausible readings: Kingman turquoise and high-grade Hubei Province material. Kingman was considered the more likely identification in one professional review, based on the necklace’s construction context and the understanding that Ben Sandoval is not known to work with imported material. Other turquoise specialists noted visual characteristics consistent with high-grade Hubei. Because no mine paperwork or laboratory report accompanies the necklace, SCJ presents the stones as high-grade spiderweb turquoise visually consistent with Kingman, with the Hubei comparison disclosed as part of an open, evidence-led identification.
Hallmark & Maker Notes:
Signed BEN.S / .925 — identified as a variation consistent with the documented BEN S. hallmark recorded in both Billie Hougart's Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks and Barton Wright's Hallmarks of the Southwest. This piece is believed to be the work of Ben Sandoval, a Navajo silversmith documented in collector communities as a skilled production benchsmith who worked across multiple shops — a career path common among the craftsmen responsible for much of the finest mid-market Navajo silver of the 1980s.
During that decade, skilled Navajo artisans were working out of shops in Gallup and Albuquerque, supplying trading posts and gift stores across the country; trade schools were actively producing trained silversmiths, and the work was serious. The period also predates the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, which helps explain why talented production smiths like Sandoval built strong reputations through trade channels while leaving a limited institutional footprint.
A Native American jewelry specialist who consults with the Silver Cactus Jewelry team has reviewed the hallmark and construction, and the attribution is considered consistent with his known body of work. His pieces reflect a confident, experienced hand — heavy-gauge silver construction, strong chasing, and careful stone selection that speak to a craftsman who took his work seriously. The Sandoval name carries deep roots in the silversmithing community of Tohajiilee (Cañoncito), New Mexico, where multiple generations of the family worked in silver. Extensive research has yet to yield specific family ties or associations; BEN.S's work survives on its own merits.
✨ 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.
