Federico Jimenez Cleopatra Necklace, Spiny Oyster & Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, Sterling silver, 19 Inches
$5,459.00
Details
• Artist: Federico Jimenez
• Materials: Red and orange spiny oyster shell, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, sterling silver
• Length: 19 inches
• Pendant Size: 2–2.5 inches
• Weight: 272 grams
• Closure: Box clasp with safety latch (secure and ideal for substantial silver pieces)
• Hallmarks: Stamped JF and Sterling
• Design Shape: Wide oval form for a natural drape over the neckline
• Backing: Fully silver-backed, no open backs
This breathtaking Cleopatra necklace is a true masterpiece by Federico Jimenez, celebrated for his larger-than-life Southwestern designs that merge boldness, balance, and impeccable craftsmanship. Federico once shared that his creative process comes from “sitting with the stones until the design feels right.” This necklace is a radiant example of that instinctive artistry — an interplay of color, texture, and harmony that only he could achieve.
Handcrafted from red and orange spiny oyster shell and framed with Sleeping Beauty turquoise, this piece is alive with vibrancy. The deep coral and sunset tones of the spiny oyster radiate warmth, while the turquoise adds a sky-blue contrast that captures the essence of the Southwest.
The necklace sits beautifully — wide and oval in shape — designed to contour perfectly to the collarbone and upper chest. Federico’s larger designs are marvels of proportion and engineering; despite their grandeur, they feel as though they were made precisely for your neck.
Each pendant is meticulously silver-backed (not open-backed), ensuring durability and refinement. The construction reflects Federico’s commitment to old-school silversmithing traditions — substantial yet wearable, elegant yet strong.
About Spiny Oyster Shell
Spiny oyster shell, often called spondylus, is not an oyster at all but a vibrant shell found along the Pacific coast, especially near the Sea of Cortez. It has been used in Native American and Southwestern jewelry for centuries, prized for its fiery orange, red, and purple hues that echo desert sunsets.
Before turquoise became the hallmark of Southwestern adornment, spiny oyster was a symbol of wealth and connection to the sea. Ancient artisans traded for it across vast distances, valuing it for its color, rarity, and sacred associations with life and water. Today, it continues to bring warmth and movement to fine Southwestern pieces, offering a vivid complement to the cool tones of turquoise — just as seen in this necklace.
Wear & Style
This necklace is unapologetically bold — it commands attention yet feels organic, almost sculptural. Pair it with a crisp white shirt, as shown, or a strapless black dress to let the stones do the talking. It’s a statement of confidence, heritage, and pure artistic vision — a wearable sculpture that fuses Mexican artistry with Southwestern tradition.
About the Artist
Federico Jimenez is a master silversmith and one of the most respected voices in Southwestern and Mexican jewelry. His work has been featured in museum exhibitions and collected by art lovers worldwide. Known for his sense of scale and color harmony, Federico’s pieces celebrate the union of culture, craft, and spirit.
Listing for 1 necklace.