Jake And Irene Livingston Necklace of Onyx Turquoise Coral and Gold Beads

About the Piece: Jake And Irene Livingston Necklace of Onyx And Multi-Stone Beads

Did you know that Jake and Irene Livingston, the jewelers who create traditional Zuni mosaic inlay jewelry, often with bird designs, also make fine contemporary pieces like this necklace.

It's quite rare to truly master multiple styles and techniques, but this husband-and-wife team has done so. Jake Livingston is Navajo/Zuni, and he does most of the metal work while his wife, Irene Owens Livingston (Zuni), collaborates with the lapidary work. 

This Jake & Irene Livingston necklace is gorgeous! Seven strands of black onyx beads are strung with accent beads of turquoise, coral, 14k gold and a pearl or two. A removable sterling silver pendant is stamped with floral designs at the top and set with an elongated black onyx stone. The piece finishes with two sets of handmade sterling silver cones with handmade beads in between.

The black onyx beads are just striking and they give a unique yet high-end look to a contemporary Southwestern Native American necklace. It's the turquoise and coral beads coupled with the pendant that bring this masterpiece into the realm of Native artwork. 

Jake and Irene's elegant necklace can be worn multiple ways since the pendant is removable. Even without the pendant, the necklace is drop-dead gorgeous. You can also wear the pendant with your other beads like coral or Navajo pearls. Because of the incorporation of gold accent beads, the necklace can be worn seamlessly with your fine gold jewelry.

Jake and Irene Livingston's necklace is long, but it's not massive or overdone! It measures 28" from end to end plus the 2 1/2" pendant. 

It's signed J-I Livingston. Please take the time to see this beautiful necklace in action with this video.

Summary:

Item: Jake And Irene Livingston Necklace of Onyx, Turquoise, Coral, and Gold Beads

Attribution: Jake And Irene Livingston, Navajo/Zuni

Materials: onyx, turquoise, 14k gold, coral, pearl, sterling silver

Dimensions: measures 28" from end to end plus the 2 1/2" pendant 

Signature: signed J-I Livingston

Provenance: from a long-time collector of fine Native American jewelry