Navajo Hand Beaded “Sleeping Beauty” Turquoise, Jet, and Shell Necklace by Charlotte Begay

Description Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition. Experience the meticulous artistry of Diné weaving traditions translated into glass and stone with this handcrafted necklace by Charlotte Begay. This intricate piece features hundreds of tiny, hand-strung beads, meticulously arranged to create a striking geometric pattern. The vibrant, clear robin’s-egg blue of authentic “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise beads provides a brilliant contrast against the deep, obsidian black of jet and the shimmering iridescence of natural shell. The design is finished with traditional sterling silver cones, offering a lightweight, elegant drape that sits perfectly against the neckline for a refined yet unmistakably Southwestern look. Charlotte Begay is a highly regarded Navajo (Diné) artisan celebrated for her mastery of complex beadwork and her keen eye for color harmony. While silversmithing often takes center stage in Navajo art, hand-beading is a deeply traditional craft that requires incredible patience and precision, often mirroring the intricate patterns found in Navajo rugs. By using premium materials like Sleeping Beauty turquoise—highly coveted for its consistent, matrix-free blue color—Begay elevates this traditional medium into a high-art aesthetic. Authentic pieces by Charlotte Begay are cherished by collectors for their technical complexity and their vibrant, modern expression of ancestral Diné motifs.