Richard Begay, Navajo - Sterling Silver |
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Richard Begay, Navajo P576 - $25 SOLD | ||||||||||
Paula says - "In my opinion, this pendant shows design characteristics and workmanship of being Navajo made. But because we are unable to attribute the hallmark to a specific artist we can't legally sell it as Native American made - read more."
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About Richard Begay
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ABOUT OPALOpal is a naturally blue stone with interior fracturing of light which results in a play of color. Opal is October's birthstone and is believed to make the wearer less self-conscious, thereby encouraging spontaneous action and awakening one's psyche. Natural opal(also known as precious opal) contains between 3-10% water but can be as high as 20% and this can make the stones less stable. Lab opalis considered a true synthetic or created opal – produced in controlled laboratory conditions and with the same chemical composition as natural opal but with a very low moisture content making it more durable. Lab opal has much fracturing of light and brilliant colors including blue, pink, purple, red and green.. Imitation opal(artificial or simulated opal) is different chemically from natural and lab opal. It is made up of 80% silica and 20% resin and is an economical option to both precious and lab opal. It is the opal most commonly used in Native American jewelry. |
About Silver100% solid silver won't tarnish but it is too soft to use for making jewelry - it could easily be scratched, dented and bent. Sterling silver has a small amount of one or more other metals usually copper, added to the silver. To be called sterling silver, the alloy must contain at least 92.5% pure silver. Sterling silver alloy is harder than pure silver but the added metals also can cause discoloration or tarnish. |
Our
Rescue Mission |
NOTE:
Items in our Vintage Shop are either USED or NEW. They might come from inheritances,
estate sales, private collections, and store liquidations. Many items are brand
new (NOS, New Old Stock) and in perfect condition while others may show tarnish,
scratches and other signs of use. Major issues will be described in detail and
shown in photos. Vintage Shop items are sold as described and are not returnable. |
Horsekeeping
LLC - Definitions of Jewelry Age and Condition | |
Patina | A dark or colored film of oxidation that forms naturally on metal exposure to air and other elements. It is often valued for its aesthetically pleasing appearance. |
Vintage | 30 years or older. |
NOS | New Old Stock. Retail store inventory from at least 10 years ago. |
Pre-owned | An item that has been used. |
Richard
Begay was born and raised in Navajoland, Arizona and began making jewelry in 1974.
He used a wide variety of stones and shells in his jewelry,
with turquoise and coral being his favorites. His work is represented in many
collections and museums both nationally and internationally, including the Smithsonian
Institute in Washington DC and the Heard Museum in Phoenix AZ. Richard
passed away in 2013.