1 1/4" x 3 1/8"
This pendant by Federico Jimenez is a celebration of Southwestern art, where the fiery passion of the red spiny oyster shell meets the serene blue of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. Each stone is thoughtfully chosen and placed, creating a piece that tells a story of the desert's dual nature--its heat and the cool reprieve of the shade. The intricate craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the delicate silverwork to the perfect setting of each gem.
Coveted for its pristine sky-blue shade devoid of veining or web patterns, Sleeping Beauty turquoise holds a cherished place in the realm of sought-after gemstones. Its historical significance has left an indelible mark on the turquoise narrative, especially since the closure of the Arizona Turquoise Mine in 2012. The mine closure, coupled with the gem's innate allure, has led to a surge in its value. With its pure hue and inherent durability, Sleeping Beauty turquoise stands as a beloved choice among global jewelry artisans and creatives.
Found in the warm waters, spiny oyster shells come from bivalve mollusks known for their bright purple, orange, red, brown, and pink colors. The ‘spiny’ in their name refers to the ridges along the shells. Spiny oyster shells have been important elements of Native American jewelry for centuries. People in South America have also prized spiny oyster shells and incorporated them into jewelry, pottery, ceremonial objects, and other works of art. Spiny oyster has been found in burial sites from 6000 BCE. Collecting shells requires diving skills or special equipment, and high-quality shells are rare, which makes spiny oyster shells even more precious.
