Sonoran Gold Turquoise Sterling Silver Pendant by Wil Denetdale

Will Denetdale is a highly skilled Navajo jeweler known for his exquisite silverwork and traditional Native American designs. His creations often feature intricate stamping, hand-cut stones, and fine details, showcasing his mastery of silversmithing. Will blends contemporary and traditional elements, particularly in his use of turquoise, coral, and other natural stones. Each piece of jewelry reflects his deep connection to Navajo culture, as well as a dedication to preserving its artistic legacy through modern craftsmanship.

Sonoran Gold Turquoise is found in Sonora Mexico. It is prized for its color depth of Greens, Blues, and Yellow and Gold Matrices.

Sterling Silver in Native American Jewelry

Sterling silver has been a cornerstone of Native American jewelry-making for over a century. Introduced through trade and colonial contact in the late 1800s, silver quickly became a favored material among Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artisans. Navajo silversmiths were among the first to adopt its use, learning techniques from Mexican metalsmiths and blending them with their own cultural motifs to create bold, handcrafted jewelry that remains iconic today.

Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This composition is denoted by the ".925" stamp found on authentic pieces, ensuring durability while retaining the precious metal’s brilliance and softness for hand-tooling.

Most silver used today is mined in countries like Mexico, Peru, China, and the United States (notably Arizona and Nevada). Native artists often work with American-mined silver for its cultural and geographical ties to the Southwest.

Care Tips:

• To maintain a bright, polished finish, gently clean sterling silver with a soft cloth or use a designated silver cleaning cloth to remove tarnish.

• To preserve the natural oxidation or patina, which many collectors cherish for its depth and character, simply wear the jewelry regularly and avoid over-cleaning. The patina develops naturally over time and enhances the handmade detail and stamping of each piece.

Whether kept polished or allowed to age gracefully, sterling silver serves as both canvas and frame for the stunning stones and stories embedded in Native American jewelry.