An extraordinary double-sided pendant by Navajo artist Wilbert Manning, showcasing an exceptional combination of intricate stone inlay, traditional Southwestern imagery, and contemporary geometric design. Beautifully detailed on both sides, this substantial pendant offers two completely different artistic expressions in one remarkable piece.
Featuring a striking combination of deep blue lapis lazuli, vibrant Mediterranean coral, turquoise, jet, and opal, this pendant celebrates the beauty of natural materials through carefully arranged patterns and meticulous craftsmanship.
Side One – Lapis Lazuli & Geometric Inlay
One side features a dramatic panel of rich, deep blue lapis lazuli, beautifully contrasted by crisp geometric inlay and a distinctive circular motif near the top. The design incorporates finely executed stepped patterns, parallel lines, and rectangular elements that create a striking architectural composition.
The deep blue background provides a wonderful canvas for the lighter inlaid details, giving the pendant a bold yet sophisticated appearance.
Running alongside the lapis panel is a beautifully textured silver section featuring a vertical arrangement of repeating geometric motifs. The contrast between the smooth, polished lapis and the richly detailed silver creates exceptional visual interest.
The overall composition is both contemporary and distinctly Southwestern, reflecting Wilbert Manning's artistic approach to combining traditional design influences with modern inlay techniques.
Side Two – Colorful Figural Inlay
Turn the pendant over to reveal an entirely different work of art!
The reverse features a wonderfully detailed figural inlay design, created from vibrant Mediterranean coral, turquoise, jet, and lighter contrasting materials.
Warm coral forms much of the figure, while carefully placed turquoise, jet, and lighter inlay accents define its facial features, headdress, and body. The composition has a beautiful mosaic-like quality, with each individual piece contributing to the overall design.
The figure is framed within a recessed rectangular silver border, surrounded by a richly textured background that adds depth and highlights the colorful inlay.
This side offers a wonderful contrast to the geometric lapis design, making the pendant especially appealing to collectors who appreciate detailed figural stonework and distinctive Native American jewelry.
An Equally Impressive Bail
The substantial silver bail is itself a beautiful example of detailed craftsmanship.
Decorated with coral, lapis, opal, and other contrasting accents, the bail complements both sides of the pendant. Its generous opening accommodates beads measuring up to 12mm, making it an excellent choice for pairing with a substantial strand of turquoise, coral, lapis, or other favorite beads.
The bail also features textured silver borders that coordinate beautifully with the pendant's overall design.
Condition Note: One of the opal inlays on the bail has a crack. The stone remains stable. This condition detail is disclosed for accuracy and transparency.
A Versatile and Collectible Statement Piece
Measuring an impressive 3 1/2 inches tall including the bail, this pendant has a commanding presence and offers exceptional versatility.
Its reversible design allows the wearer to choose between the sophisticated deep blue lapis and geometric composition or the vibrant, intricately detailed figural inlay on the opposite side.
The combination of richly colored materials, distinctive design, and detailed silverwork makes this a wonderful addition to any collection of contemporary Navajo jewelry.
Details:
Artist: Wilbert Manning
Tribe: Navajo (Diné)
Design: Double-Sided / Reversible Pendant
Stones & Materials: Lapis Lazuli, Mediterranean Coral, Turquoise, Jet & Opal
Metal: Silver
Height: 3 1/2" including bail
Bail: Accommodates beads up to 12mm
Condition: One opal inlay on the bail is cracked but stable
A remarkable reversible pendant by Wilbert Manning, bringing together intricate geometric patterns, colorful figural inlay, and beautifully detailed silverwork in one extraordinary piece of Navajo artistry.
An extraordinary double-sided pendant by Navajo artist Wilbert Manning, showcasing an exceptional combination of intricate stone inlay, traditional Southwestern imagery, and contemporary geometric design. Beautifully detailed on both sides, this substantial pendant offers two completely different artistic expressions in one remarkable piece.
Featuring a striking combination of deep blue lapis lazuli, vibrant Mediterranean coral, turquoise, jet, and opal, this pendant celebrates the beauty of natural materials through carefully arranged patterns and meticulous craftsmanship.
Side One – Lapis Lazuli & Geometric Inlay
One side features a dramatic panel of rich, deep blue lapis lazuli, beautifully contrasted by crisp geometric inlay and a distinctive circular motif near the top. The design incorporates finely executed stepped patterns, parallel lines, and rectangular elements that create a striking architectural composition.
The deep blue background provides a wonderful canvas for the lighter inlaid details, giving the pendant a bold yet sophisticated appearance.
Running alongside the lapis panel is a beautifully textured silver section featuring a vertical arrangement of repeating geometric motifs. The contrast between the smooth, polished lapis and the richly detailed silver creates exceptional visual interest.
The overall composition is both contemporary and distinctly Southwestern, reflecting Wilbert Manning's artistic approach to combining traditional design influences with modern inlay techniques.
Side Two – Colorful Figural Inlay
Turn the pendant over to reveal an entirely different work of art!
The reverse features a wonderfully detailed figural inlay design, created from vibrant Mediterranean coral, turquoise, jet, and lighter contrasting materials.
Warm coral forms much of the figure, while carefully placed turquoise, jet, and lighter inlay accents define its facial features, headdress, and body. The composition has a beautiful mosaic-like quality, with each individual piece contributing to the overall design.
The figure is framed within a recessed rectangular silver border, surrounded by a richly textured background that adds depth and highlights the colorful inlay.
This side offers a wonderful contrast to the geometric lapis design, making the pendant especially appealing to collectors who appreciate detailed figural stonework and distinctive Native American jewelry.
An Equally Impressive Bail
The substantial silver bail is itself a beautiful example of detailed craftsmanship.
Decorated with coral, lapis, opal, and other contrasting accents, the bail complements both sides of the pendant. Its generous opening accommodates beads measuring up to 12mm, making it an excellent choice for pairing with a substantial strand of turquoise, coral, lapis, or other favorite beads.
The bail also features textured silver borders that coordinate beautifully with the pendant's overall design.
Condition Note: One of the opal inlays on the bail has a crack. The stone remains stable. This condition detail is disclosed for accuracy and transparency.
A Versatile and Collectible Statement Piece
Measuring an impressive 3 1/2 inches tall including the bail, this pendant has a commanding presence and offers exceptional versatility.
Its reversible design allows the wearer to choose between the sophisticated deep blue lapis and geometric composition or the vibrant, intricately detailed figural inlay on the opposite side.
The combination of richly colored materials, distinctive design, and detailed silverwork makes this a wonderful addition to any collection of contemporary Navajo jewelry.
Details:
Artist: Wilbert Manning
Tribe: Navajo (Diné)
Design: Double-Sided / Reversible Pendant
Stones & Materials: Lapis Lazuli, Mediterranean Coral, Turquoise, Jet & Opal
Metal: Silver
Height: 3 1/2" including bail
Bail: Accommodates beads up to 12mm
Condition: One opal inlay on the bail is cracked but stable
A remarkable reversible pendant by Wilbert Manning, bringing together intricate geometric patterns, colorful figural inlay, and beautifully detailed silverwork in one extraordinary piece of Navajo artistry.
