A beautiful and distinctive Navajo Naja pendant by Eva and Linberg Billah, featuring a rich purple spiny oyster shell cabochon suspended within an intricately decorated silver design. Combining traditional Navajo symbolism with beautifully executed silverwork, this pendant offers a wonderful balance of cultural heritage, artistic detail, and timeless Southwestern style.
At the heart of this striking pendant is a polished, domed purple spiny oyster shell cabochon, displaying deep plum and violet tones with a beautiful natural luster. The shell is secured in a finely serrated bezel, creating a lovely contrast between its smooth, glossy surface and the textured silver surrounding it.
The pendant features the traditional Naja design, a crescent-shaped form that has become one of the most recognizable elements of Navajo jewelry. Historically influenced by crescent ornaments introduced to the Southwest through Spanish and Mexican traditions, the Naja has evolved into an enduring symbol of Navajo silversmithing and is especially beloved in squash blossom necklaces and statement pendants.
Eva and Linberg Billah bring their own artistic interpretation to this classic design through an impressive combination of hand-stamped details and sculptural silverwork. The gracefully curved arms of the Naja feature rows of carefully placed decorative impressions, textured geometric patterns, and delicate scalloped accents that create depth and visual interest.
At the top of the pendant, a beautifully formed fan-shaped silver element adds an elegant architectural detail, while the purple spiny oyster cabochon rests above a small, stylized silver ornament suspended within the open center. The ends of the crescent are finished with substantial rounded silver accents, giving the design a balanced and beautifully finished appearance.
A generously sized 14mm bail, accented with decorative silver details, makes this pendant especially versatile. It can be paired with a substantial silver chain, leather cord, or a favorite strand of turquoise, shell, or other traditional beads.
Measuring an impressive 3 1/8 inches tall and weighing 34 grams, this pendant offers substantial presence while maintaining an airy, open design. The contrast between the deep purple shell and richly textured silver makes it a wonderful statement piece, whether worn alone or layered with other Southwestern jewelry.
A beautiful example of contemporary Navajo artistry, this Eva and Linberg Billah pendant honors the traditional Naja form while showcasing the distinctive beauty of purple spiny oyster shell.
Details:
Artists: Eva & Linberg Billah
Tribe: Navajo (Diné)
Stone: Purple Spiny Oyster Shell
Metal: Silver
Design: Traditional Naja
Height: 3 1/8" including bail
Bail Opening: 14mm
Weight: 34 grams
A striking Navajo Naja pendant featuring rich purple spiny oyster shell, beautifully detailed silverwork, and a timeless design that celebrates the artistry of Eva and Linberg Billah.
A beautiful and distinctive Navajo Naja pendant by Eva and Linberg Billah, featuring a rich purple spiny oyster shell cabochon suspended within an intricately decorated silver design. Combining traditional Navajo symbolism with beautifully executed silverwork, this pendant offers a wonderful balance of cultural heritage, artistic detail, and timeless Southwestern style.
At the heart of this striking pendant is a polished, domed purple spiny oyster shell cabochon, displaying deep plum and violet tones with a beautiful natural luster. The shell is secured in a finely serrated bezel, creating a lovely contrast between its smooth, glossy surface and the textured silver surrounding it.
The pendant features the traditional Naja design, a crescent-shaped form that has become one of the most recognizable elements of Navajo jewelry. Historically influenced by crescent ornaments introduced to the Southwest through Spanish and Mexican traditions, the Naja has evolved into an enduring symbol of Navajo silversmithing and is especially beloved in squash blossom necklaces and statement pendants.
Eva and Linberg Billah bring their own artistic interpretation to this classic design through an impressive combination of hand-stamped details and sculptural silverwork. The gracefully curved arms of the Naja feature rows of carefully placed decorative impressions, textured geometric patterns, and delicate scalloped accents that create depth and visual interest.
At the top of the pendant, a beautifully formed fan-shaped silver element adds an elegant architectural detail, while the purple spiny oyster cabochon rests above a small, stylized silver ornament suspended within the open center. The ends of the crescent are finished with substantial rounded silver accents, giving the design a balanced and beautifully finished appearance.
A generously sized 14mm bail, accented with decorative silver details, makes this pendant especially versatile. It can be paired with a substantial silver chain, leather cord, or a favorite strand of turquoise, shell, or other traditional beads.
Measuring an impressive 3 1/8 inches tall and weighing 34 grams, this pendant offers substantial presence while maintaining an airy, open design. The contrast between the deep purple shell and richly textured silver makes it a wonderful statement piece, whether worn alone or layered with other Southwestern jewelry.
A beautiful example of contemporary Navajo artistry, this Eva and Linberg Billah pendant honors the traditional Naja form while showcasing the distinctive beauty of purple spiny oyster shell.
Details:
Artists: Eva & Linberg Billah
Tribe: Navajo (Diné)
Stone: Purple Spiny Oyster Shell
Metal: Silver
Design: Traditional Naja
Height: 3 1/8" including bail
Bail Opening: 14mm
Weight: 34 grams
A striking Navajo Naja pendant featuring rich purple spiny oyster shell, beautifully detailed silverwork, and a timeless design that celebrates the artistry of Eva and Linberg Billah.
