David Tune Native American Sterling Silver Multi-Stone Inlay Necklace

This pendant has something that is almost too easy to miss in photos: the inlay does not stop at the front. The different colors continue around the sides, making the design fully finished in profile as well. So it is not a flat mosaic, but a three-dimensional piece of jewelry that reveals something different from every angle.

The pendant is signed by David Tune, an award-winning Native American artist of Muscogee (Creek), Diné and Hopi descent. Tune is best known for his geometric cobblestone inlay, in which each piece of stone or shell is individually polished and carefully placed in the silver. His patterns are inspired by landscapes viewed from above, an influence that is clearly reflected in the angular planes and unexpected color distribution of this pendant.

The front is composed of turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl and other stone and shell inlays. A large purple inlay forms the visual centerpiece, with smaller sections in green, blue, red and cream above it. Sugilite is probably also used, a material that appears more frequently in Tune's work. Because not every small element has been individually gemologically tested, I deliberately keep the identification of the remaining inlay somewhat broader.

The side edges are also inlaid with small, precisely fitting segments. This requires considerably more work than a pendant where only the front is finished and gives the piece its striking depth of one centimeter. The fixed bail attaches without a hinge to the geometric design.

The pendant was purchased together with the 60 cm long, handmade silver link chain. The elongated links, round connections and simple hook clasp match the style and proportions particularly well. The chain is not hallmarked, but was tested as silver. It appears to originally belong with the pendant, although this cannot be confirmed with certainty due to the lack of a signature on the chain.

On the back, the pendant is clearly marked with “DAVID TUNE”, “STERLING” and his pictorial sun stamp. The piece is in good vintage condition, with light superficial signs of wear that are appropriate for its age. The inlay is complete and appears well-maintained.

A distinctive collector's piece by a recognizable and multiple award-winning artist.

Details

Maker: David Tune
Heritage: Muscogee (Creek), Diné (Navajo) and Hopi
Material: sterling silver with stone and shell inlay
Inlay: turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, purple stone and other segments of stone or shell
Hallmarks: DAVID TUNE, STERLING and pictorial sun symbol
Pendant: 6.8 × 2.2 × 1.0 cm
Chain: 60 cm long, approximately 4.7 mm wide and 1.5 mm thick
Clasp: handmade hook clasp
Total weight: approximately 45 grams
Condition: good vintage condition with light signs of wear
Chain: uncertified, but tested as silver; purchased together with the pendant