Navajo Indian Jewelry by Alvin Yellowhorse, Large Yei Figure Pendant

Late 20th Century

Large Pendant with 4 strands of fine shell, coral and turquoise Heishi beads with silver hook and eye with silver beads.

Size: 20" L, Pendant 5" L x 2" w

Alvin Yellowhorse is a master stonecutter and silversmith. Born in 1968, Alvin learned the art of silverwork from his father Frank Yellowhorse. Alvin is credited for originating a style of inlay called "Corn Row Wave Inlay" in which the stones are individually cut & rounded over before setting them into a silver or gold bracelet, pendant or ring. Corn Row Wave Inlay is much more time consuming as he has to completely finish each stone one at a time before placing them into the setting. Since then he has become a master of cutting small stones.

His contemporary designs have Zuni, Anasazi, Hopi and traditional Navajo influences. He creates one piece of jewelry at a time, focusing on the details. Alvin also receives inspiration from the ancient petroglyphs found along the canyon walls near his workshop.

Alvin is forever amazing the jewelry & art galleries with new designs & techniques. Aside from being featured in several high-end galleries, Alvin was recognized by the Smithsonian Magazine in their August 1999 issue, along with Art Book Arizona Magazine doing a profile on his life. Each year Alvin enters his jewelry into the Santa Fe Indian Market competition & has won several Blue Ribbons. His work can also be found at the annual Heard Museum competition in Phoenix, AZ. Alvin also receives inspiration from the ancient petroglyphs found along the canyon walls near his workshop.