Ernest R Begay Royston Turquoise Necklace | 9mm Navajo Pearls | Large Statement Southwestern Jewelry
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Specifications
• Artist: Ernest R. Begay Sr. (ERB)
• Hallmarks: STERLING, ERB
• Stones: Six Royston turquoise cabochons
• Center Stone: Approx. 2” x 1.75”
• Side Stones: Approx. 1.75”–1.25”
• Pearls: 9mm Navajo pearls
• Inner Circumference: Approx. 17.5”–18”
• Weight: 273 grams
• Construction: Heavy gauge sterling silver
• Core: Sterling foxtail chain
Ernest R. Begay (ERB)
Monumental Royston Turquoise & Navajo Pearl Necklace
273 Grams of Diné Silverwork
Some pieces are worn.
Others are carried forward.
This monumental necklace by Diné silversmith Ernest R. Begay Sr. (ERB) is a commanding example of contemporary Navajo artistry grounded in old-style tradition. Handmade in New Mexico and stamped STERLING and ERB, this piece reflects decades of craftsmanship and a deep reverence for historic Navajo silverwork.
Ernest Begay is known for his heavy gauge construction, bold stamp work, and sculptural use of turquoise and coral. Raised in Kayenta–Chilchinbeto, Arizona, he developed his craft in the mid-1970s and has since become a multi-award-winning artist, earning repeated honors at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and Navajo Nation exhibitions. His work bridges generations — honoring the past while building heirlooms for the present.
This necklace was commissioned directly from the artist.
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The Stones – Royston Turquoise in Monumental Scale
This necklace features six exceptional Royston turquoise cabochons, confirmed by the artist.
The center stone measures an extraordinary 2 inches by 1.75 inches.
The surrounding five stones range approximately 1.75 inches to 1.25 inches.
What makes this composition remarkable is not only the scale — but the harmony.
The stones are carefully matched in tone, matrix pattern, and visual weight. The vivid sky blues, lime undertones, and rich copper-gold matrix create movement and depth across the entire necklace. Finding Royston in this size is uncommon. Assembling six stones of this caliber that balance so seamlessly is rare.
Each cabochon is proportionally cut and confidently domed, allowing the character of the stone to remain the focal point.
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Setting & Silverwork
Each stone is framed in a meticulously executed twisted wire bezel, surrounded by hand-applied rope and beadwork.
The details reflect master-level control:
• Even bezel tension
• Clean, precise solder work
• Balanced rope framing
• Substantial silver weight
The silver is intentionally oxidized to create dimension and depth — highlighting the form of both the stones and the pearls without overpowering them.
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Engineered for Presence – Anti-Flip Construction
Large stone necklaces often suffer from instability and rotation. This piece does not.
Each pendant element is secured across the double strands of Navajo pearls using a sterling silver stabilizing bar, anchoring the settings firmly in place. This thoughtful construction prevents flipping and ensures the stones remain forward-facing when worn.
The result is architectural balance and confident wearability.
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Navajo Pearls – 9mm Heavy Gauge
The necklace features substantial 9mm Navajo pearls throughout, each finished with depth and weight consistent with Begay’s old-style approach to silver.
Internally, the pearls are strung over a sterling foxtail chain core — a premium structural choice that provides:
• Long-term durability
• Even weight distribution
• Resistance to stretching
• Superior strength for a piece of this scale
At 273 grams, this necklace carries the unmistakable feel of heirloom silver.