Presented in this lot is a Vintage Navajo Diné Sterling Silver Black Onyx Pendant Necklace, signed, circa 1980s. Navajo silversmiths are recognized for their artistic creations in a variety of forms using silver and turquoise. One of the first Native American Indian metal smiths was a Navajo known as Atsidi Sani who learned to form black metal from a Mexican blacksmith around 1865. Later, in the 1880s, J.L. Hubbell hired several Mexican Silversmiths to teach the craft to Navajos at his Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona. The Navajo Silversmiths learned to cast Silver in sandstone or tufa as well as produce hand-hammered work. The necklace features four large Black Onyx cabochons set in bezel settings with handcarved silver leaves and silver beads with a sterling silver cable chain and a lobster style clasp. Lower cabochon is stamped on reverse with the Navajo artist's hallmark, "NS" and "STERLING". A beautiful Navajo sterling silver onyx pendant necklace displaying a professional artisanship construction. Displays rich patina throughout. Cabochons measure 1.625"L x 1.125"W, overall length is 12"L, combined weight is 49.9gms