Lot 271, Auction 3/19/2026: 4 Tibetan & Navajo Silver Jewelry – Turquoise & Coral

$520.00

In stock

Central Asia, Tibet; Native America, Southwest, Navajo, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A varied and visually engaging group of silver jewelry, this lot brings together three distinct works that reflect the ornamental traditions and material languages of Tibetan and Navajo silversmithing, united by their shared use of turquoise, coral, and silver as carriers of symbolism and identity. The Tibetan silver pendant is centered by a vivid oval turquoise cabochon, framed by inlaid coral elements arranged in a radiating, cross-like composition. The contrast between the cool blue-green turquoise and the warm red coral is a hallmark of Tibetan adornment, where such stones are traditionally associated with protection, vitality, and spiritual balance. The pendant’s robust construction and symmetrical design suggest it was intended as both an amulet and a statement ornament. Size of largest (brooch): 2.3″ Diameter (5.8 cm); silver quality: 92.3 to 97.1%; total weight: 60.1 grams

Complementing this is a Navajo silver brooch incorporating a 1964 Kennedy silver half dollar, its obverse portrait encircled by a halo of petite point turquoise stones. The use of US coinage in Navajo jewelry reflects a long-standing practice of adapting readily available silver into expressive personal adornment. The fine turquoise points create a rhythmic border that softens the authority of the coin with organic color and hand-worked detail.

The lot is completed by a pair of Navajo silver earrings, each set with an inlaid coral cabochon within a fluted silver surround. Their balanced proportions and restrained decoration highlight the rich color of the coral while showcasing the crisp, radiating metalwork typical of mid-20th-century Navajo jewelry.

Together, these pieces form a cohesive yet diverse grouping that speaks to cross-cultural approaches to silverwork, ornament, and symbolism. Whether appreciated individually or as a set, the lot offers a compelling survey of how silver, stone, and tradition converge across regions and artistic lineages.

Condition: Earrings and pendant are stamped on verso for silver quality. Earrings have mismatched backs. All have light surface wear as shown, but are otherwise intact, wearable, and very nice.

Provenance: private British Columbia, Canada collection, gifted from aunt in Tucson, Arizona, USA, acquired prior to 1994

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.