This striking Necklace showcases 2 Sterling Silver Tufa Cast Pendants by Navajo artist Merle House. House is an accomplished Silversmith from Gallup, New Mexico. He crafted the Pendants by pouring molten Silver into a mold made from tufa stone, which is a compressed volcanic ash material found on the Navajo reservation. This effectively transfers the texture of the stone to the finished piece. Both Pendants display the image of a Kokopelli, complimented by a geometric design. They are oxidized, bringing the patterns into high relief. Merle House is one of just a handful of Silversmiths restoring the lost art of tufa casting, imparting artistic significance to these impressive pieces.
The Pendants are displayed on 3 strands of Onyx Rondelles, which are 6mm in dimension. The Onyx is midnight black in hue, and is beautifully cut and polished. The Onyx is highlighted by Oxidized Sterling Silver Rounds, including two (2) 8mm Rounds & six (6) 5mm Rounds flanking the Pendants, and another ten (10) 5mm Rounds arranged along the Necklace strands. The Oxidized Sterling mirrors the tones in the Pendants and adds refined shine to the design. The Onyx is further complemented by 6mm Hematite Polished Drum Beads and 4mm champagne-hued Faceted Crystal Bicones, which sparkle in reflected light. At the top of the Necklace the 6mm Onyx Rounds transition to 3mm Onyx Rounds, streamlining the silhouette and ensuring a comfortable fit. The Necklace is finished with Sterling Silver Rounds & Toggle Clasp and adorned with a Southwest Designs Sterling Charm. The piece weighs 101 grams and is 21 inches long plus the Pendants, which are 2-1/2 inches by 5/8 inches.
