Signed Cecil Ashley Navajo Sterling Silver Inlaid Necklace, Master Silversmith

Description

Discover a true masterpiece of Native American craftsmanship with this vintage Navajo necklace, a signed piece by the respected Master silversmith, Cecil Ashley. Known for his meticulous workmanship and one-of-a-kind collectible designs, Cecil Ashley's signature style is his extraordinary mosaic inlay work. This stunning necklace exemplifies his artistry, featuring a sterling silver pendant with a remarkable geometric design of meticulously inlaid stones. The piece includes vibrant turquoise and coral, showcasing the kind of detailed lapidary skills for which he is celebrated. The larger pendant is complemented by a smaller inlaid drop, adding elegance and movement.

This wearable work of art carries the history of the artist within its design. On the back of the larger pendant, it is clearly marked "STERLING" and signed with his characteristic sideways initials "CA." The necklace and pendant have a combined weight of 17.8 grams, and the chain with the pendant measures 17 3/4" in length. The main pendant itself measures approximately 2 3/4" by 1 7/16". Cecil Ashley, who honed his craft at Brown’s Trading Company in Safford, Arizona in the mid-80's, had access to top-grade Morenci turquoise, which he often used in his early work. While he is also known for using a variety of colorful materials like spiny oyster, onyx, lapis, and opal in his asymmetrical settings, this piece stands as a beautiful example of his command over both materials and design. This necklace is not just a piece of jewelry; it is an authentic, collectible work from one of the best Navajo silversmiths of his time.