Purple Spiny Oyster Shell Heart Necklace by Alfred Martinez, Navajo

This heart-shaped pendant, made by Navajo artist Alfred Martinez, features a purple spiny oyster shell set in a smooth bezel with twisted sterling silver and studded embellishments. An 18" chain is not adjustable.

According to research, spiny oysters are found buried at deep depths or attached to rocky reefs. The deeper they dig, the darker the pigment of the oyster shell which is how the colors range from a bright orange to a deep purple.