I have been looking for the perfect cross pendant for years. I have an inlaid one that I love, but it pretty much only fits on a leather cord (bail is small). Many that I have looked at were either too small, too big, too expensive, or too ornate for my taste. Then I saw this one at Twin Rocks (I’m calling it my Goldilocks cross since it was just right). The artist is Kary Begay, and she learned silversmithing from her late husband Steven.
I read that she likes to use Navajo rug designs in some of her jewelry, and that was one of the things that drew me to this cross (they had a couple for sale). I also like that it has a nice weight to it.
I knew it would go on my smaller heishi necklaces, but didn’t think it would slide onto any of my beads. But I got home and surprise, surprise! It fits on this set.
I was really happy when I got home, and found out they fit. Even though the store had one of her crosses on some beads, I thought they were smaller than mine. It doesn’t fit on my other Navajo beads (they are rounder so they won’t quite go through), but one is fine with me
Thank you! I also love them together, and you can take partial credit for it since you helped convince me to go back to Twin Rocks My hubby is convinced that’s the main reason I wanted to go to Bluff, which is partly true but not completely; I love so much else in that area.
The first time we were there was probably the mid-'90s. My guidebook has this photo in the front of the book, and the trading post is reviewed farther back.
It’s apparently changed some from what is in my guide book, and this building is a cute little coffee shop. An adorable Navajo gal working there chatted with me in the morning, and told me she liked “my bling” - gotta love that The other building (which I don’t have a picture of in my phone, it’s still in my camera which I haven’t uploaded) had Native American art, and it was never open during the hours when I had time to check it out. But the coffee was very tasty!
Here’s a different video from Twin Rocks about another one of Derek’s cuffs. The owner of the post goes into a little more in detail regarding how it was made. I know it’s not exactly like mine, but I found it very interesting now that you and @mmrogers discussed how my piece was crafted. Thought you might enjoy this.
I had never heard of Searchlight Turquoise until this video.
Could have been done either way since the area directly underneath the appliqué wouldn’t be stamped. I’m going to say probably after since the nature of the visible stamp work might cause the metal to stress and separate in the thinnest worked areas as the middle is bent out from the center to create the center separation.
Thank you! I had taken a pic the day before in bright sunshine. We stopped by the next morning and with the sun at my back and the clouds the other direction, I knew it would look better.
I really wish we could have gone in the other building which had the Native American art (although I had pretty much spent my budget at Twin Rocks ), but the Navajo gal working at the coffee shop (the building in the picture) said the owner doesn’t have set hours, and you never never really know when she’s going to open it.
I was just telling my hubby I really want to go back to Gallup (haven’t been there in a loooong time), and visit Perry Null since I’ve never been. I just looked at their website, and what do you know! Right on the home page where they have new items in is this beautiful squash by Derrick Gordon! Total coincidence!
thank you for sharing. I hope to someday do the great road trip out west and visit some trading posts. this will be going on my "to do"list. Your cuff is fabulous.
You are so welcome, thank you! I hope you can get out there and see all the crazy beautiful places - and shop for jewelry of course Whenever you head west let us know, and I’m sure we’ll have all kinds of tips!
It can be more expensive to shop at the stores/trading posts vs online, but I love the experience, and learning from some of the store owners. So I just really save up!
@Ziacat…I think the Bluff area is becoming one of your favorite places, just like it’s one of mine. Can’t beat the red rock bluffs and the wonderful old historical structures, Cow Canyon especially.
Thanks for the great videos by Barry. Years ago he was at Twin Rocks much more, but, IMO Steve is much more personable; he really enjoys talking with visitors at the store. They both are very knowledgeable about turquoise (and Navajo baskets😄). Years ago, Barry looked at some old turquoise nuggets I was thinking of purchasing. but other than being natural he wouldn’t go out on a limb to identify it (which I appreciate). I also have a few Navajo pictorial baskets I purchased at Twin Rocks.
Anyway, great to hear about your experience and see your purchases. You did great!
The other building (which I don’t have a picture of in my phone, it’s still in my camera which I haven’t uploaded) had Native American art, and it was never open during the hours when I had time to check it out. But the coffee was very tasty!
