For your consideration are these Vintage Navajo Diné Tamara Benally Sterling Silver Needlepoint Turquoise Cluster Dangle Earrings, signed. These impressive dangle earrings feature a wonderfully and professionally crafted sterling silver construction displaying a classic needlepoint cluster pattern of Sleeping Beauty turquoise stones separated by silver beads along the outer edge, braided silver wire defining the centre cutout. Needlepoint turquoise jewelry was developed by Zuni artists in the Southwestern United States, emerging in the 1920s and 1930s. The delicate style is a form of Zuni clusterwork, featuring numerous small, hand-cut stones set closely together. In needlepoint, artists cut turquoise into thin, needle-shaped slivers with points at both ends. This is distinct from the related petit point style, which uses tiny round, oval, or teardrop-shaped stones. Benally is a surname derived from the Navajo word binálí meaning "his grandchild". Both earrings are stamped on the reverse with the artist's hallmark, "TB" and "Sterling". The earrings are in good condition overall, rich patina noted. Each measures .875"W x 2.5"L, combined weight is 12.5 grams.