Large Lapis pendant w/cold chisel stamping-bc 1400

Navajo handcrafted large oval pendant was crafted by artist Albert Jake. All set in solid sterling silver.The genuine Lapis stone measures 2" x 3/4". The pendant measures a total of 3"1/4 x 1"3/8. This is a large pendant that can be put on any type of necklace. The straight line stamping on the pendant is called " cold chisel" as each line is hammered individually when the silver is cold. NAVJAO HANDCRAFTED PENDANT BY ARTSIT ALBERT JAKE Lapis Lazuli – Mines in northeast Afghanistan continue to be a major source of lapis lazuli. It is a stone prized for its intense blue color. The name Lapis Lazuli comes from the Arabic word lazward, from which the word azure comes, which means blue. Ancient Romans used to call it "sapphires," which was subsequently applied to the blue variety of corundum we know today as sapphire. Albert Jake: was born in 1959 in the Zuni Pueblo south of Gallup, New Mexico. He learned silversmithing from his parents. He specializes in traditional set stones and cluster jewelry with intricate stamp work. He has been smithing since 1987. He also creates sand-paintings and makes pottery. During the summers he works as a forest fire fighter. He lives with his wife and two daughters today in Rahmah, New Mexico, near the Zuni Pueblo.