Spiny Oyster Shell and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Naja Pendant by Martha Cayatine, Navajo

This pendant is expertly crafted by Martha Cayatine and features a stunning rectangle Spiny Oyster Shell set in a sawtooth bezel. The sterling silver Naja is beautifully engraved and hangs from a 4mm shepherd's hook bale.

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.

The Sleeping Beauty Turquoise mine is located in Gila County, Arizona. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Mine has recently closed. It is now obtained from private stashes. The turquoise mine produces uniform blue turquoise that is easily matched and used in many styles of Native American jewelry.