Here's a very attractive, handmade, green jade & silver pin that we purchased from a well known pawn trader in northern Arizona.
The pin features a small, oval shaped, green jade stone that is set in a silver bezel and mounted on a stunning, hand stamped silver base. The pin is also adorned with hand stamped designs and has repousse stampings at both ends.
The pin measures 2+3/4" long, is 3/4" wide and it weighs 10 grams.
Due to State laws that regulate what information pawn traders are allowed to give out we were unable to obtain the name of the artist that made this pin. However, we were told that it was made by a local Navajo artist, probably during the 1940's - 1950's.
As with most older Native American jewelry there is no artist's hallmark. There is no mark indicating the silver content but we were told that it is sterling but had been cleaned and therefore shows no patina at this time.
Despite it's age and travels this old pin is still in remarkably good condition. The stone is not cracked or chipped and is set firmly in it's bezel. The silver (with a bit more cleaning) could easily pass as new.
