Mary Tafoya Necklace of Inlay Flower on Turquoise

It was later in her long and illustrious career as a Native American art dealer that my mentor, Martha Struever, discovered the exceptionally creative inlay jewelry of Mary L. Tafoya of Kewa Pueblo. Even though she'd enjoyed Native jewelry for more than 40 years, Marti Struever was smitten with Mary Tafoya's work. 

This turquoise necklace with its multi-stone inlaid shell pendant in the shape of a flower is one of Mary Tafoya's charming pieces. Even though it harkens back to prehistoric materials and techniques, Mary Tafoya's necklace is decidedly bold and contemporary. 

The inlay pendant portion is set on a green serpentine background for just a little bit of extra. It's kind of Mary Tafoya's signature, and you'll find it etched with Mary's hallmark. 

Mary Tafoya's free-spirited flower necklace is a quintessential piece for resort wear and trips to the beach and/or desert. It measures 18 1/2" from end to end, and the colorful  pendant measures 2 1/8" x 1 5/8".

Read more about Mary Tafoya here.