his Vintage Native American Turquoise Necklace was hand made by hereditary Chief of the Mi Ashi Ton Gaxas tribe, Shatka Bear-Step. This Bear-Step was an avid horseman, a VIP member of the Appaloosa Horse Club in the 1970's and an old friend of the Scottsdale, Az. Jaycees. He handmade and sold Native American jewelry in Colorado and Arizona during the later years of his life, dying in 1980. The few pieces of jewelry you can still find today are highly collectible & very precious.
Devoted to his Native American culture, Bear-Step created this impressive necklace in the mid 20th century. It seems to represent a sunflower in all its organic, blooming beauty. A large round stone of Villa Grove Turquoise, representing the "seeds", is encircled by a handmade Sterling Silver bezel. The beauty of this natural stone is surpassed only by its rarity because the Villa Grove mine in Colorado is longer in production. According to the BLM, it will never open again & is currently covered by a lake. This substantial Turquoise stone sits in the center of twelve Sterling Silver "petals". Each petal measures about 1/2" wide by 5/8" tall. The pendant measures 2-7/8" round. A stunning flower by any standard! The attached neck chain is also handmade & soldered, one link at a time. This museum quality, Bear-Step Sterling & Turquoise necklace measures 25 " long.
The level of care & craftsmanship in this jewelry will far exceed your expectations. On the back, the pendant is stamped with Bear-Steps' hallmark, Sterling & 72. 72 could possibly be the year he created this, he would've been 74 years old.There is also a 69 k scratched on the pendant but we cannot accurately identify the meaning. This spectacular pendant & chain can be worn & enjoyed by a man or woman, so don't miss out on owning this unbelievably rare, Native American necklace.
We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize that it is important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.
CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC NATIVE AMERICAN
