Bright Beautiful Sonoran Gold Turquoise Pendant. Such a bright piece with beautiful silver work. Size including bail is 2-1/4" tall.
The Willie Family has been making exquisite traditional silver and copper jewelry for over 45 years. They are known for using highest grade stones and reside near Albuquerque in To’hajilee. The Willie clan was introduced to silversmithing when the oldest son, Lonnie, attended the Albuquerque Indian School in the early 70s and began developing his own designs. Lonnie showed his parents what he was learning. They in turn shared techniques with relatives. Lonnie became highly recognized and received numerous awards in the 80s and beyond. They use heavy-gauge silver and premium stones. The current silversmith-clan members are Laura, Melissa, Ronnie, Rudy, Juan and the younger generation – Dakota, Cooper, Tawney and Allen, and Davana.
The Willie family work is in great demand throughout the country and Europe. Some other artists copy the Willie designs but the differences are clear to the discerning eye. The family hallmark is a script “Willie” stamped on the back side of all their work.