I’m interested to see what you folks think this might be worth currently because I sold my car and my house and my firstborn child and bought this necklace. I’m going to miss them. Just kidding, lol. I bought it the third time I drove back to see it. I believe it’s a museum quality piece. It was purchased in Albuquerque at a place called “Utility Shack” from 2 ladies there named Valerie and Laurinda. I have the receipt, A lady named Karen H. bought it for $5828.00. I understand it’s only worth a fraction of that now. So, with out further ado. Tell me what you think.
Edit: Above purchase dated February 27, 1999
P.S.
Better pics tomorrow in the sun. Also there is a certificate of authenticity that says the turquoise is sleeping beauty but doesn’t mention the coral hands or the green triangle stones.
I love it! What are you saying it’s only worth a small fraction of its original selling price? Glad you showed that last picture. I thought the face was onyx also. Looks like sugulite, coral hands, think the top turquoise might be Cerillos and the other two remind me of the turquoise pendant by Ann Yellowhorse that I own that was never identified.
It’s awesome and I hope someone will give you a professional evaluation. I’m curious about the value.
I’m just learning but gaspeite was the first thing that popped into my mind also.
As far as why I think it’s only worth a fraction of the original cost, it’s because I only paid a fraction of that cost, hopefully I did ok.
Sugilite is one of the very best crystals for those who are highly sensitive and take on whatever energies are around them. Wear or carry Sugilite to create a warm, protective “shield of Light,” keeping the wearer impervious to negativity and the disharmony of others. In times of discouragement or despair, place Sugilite on the Third Eye to draw in comforting energy and a flow of gentle, loving information from the spiritual world to bring peace and relaxation to the emotional body. (filched text from here)
Love the detail. This piece part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection- Gift of Karl and Patricia Stoermer in honor of Esther Wood, Navajo Silversmith should add to the value.
Interesting that she used actual hinges to provide the articulation on the Smithsonian one, mine uses eyelets so it can twist slightly also, it makes the movement looks pretty darn natural.
SAAM - “Esther Wood is a Navajo silversmith and jeweler who learned her craft from her aunt, Elsie Platero. She currently lives in New Mexico and works primarily with silver and turquoise.” Esther Wood | Smithsonian American Art Museum
A typo then. Thanks. I thought I had read an article where a lady said she bought a piece of her jewelry and then later met her and was able to ask about her particular piece
I found this about the place it was purchased from originally. It has a picture of a very lovely Laurinda who sold it to who ever bought it originally.
Just kidding, lol. I bought it the third time I drove back to see it. I believe it’s a museum quality piece. It was purchased in Albuquerque at a place called “Utility Shack” from 2 ladies there named Valerie and Laurinda. I have the receipt, A lady named Karen H. bought it for $5828.00. I understand it’s only worth a fraction of that now. So, with out further ado. Tell me what you think.
