Museum-Quality Vintage Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Spike Necklace from Federico Jimenez Personal Vintage Collection, 26 inches/168 grams
$2,657.00
Details:
• Length: 26″ (including pendant drop)
• Pendant drop: approx. 2.3″ long × ~2″ wide
• Weight: 168 grams
• Width of the spike stones: approx. 1.2″ to 2.3″
• Hook closure, sterling silver setting
• Made of natural “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise (looks beautifully sky-blue with warm matrix)
• Two full strands of heishi-cut turquoise beads form the base chain
• From each strand radiate pear/teardrop-shaped and “spike” turquoise stones, creating a dramatic fringed pendant effect
Provenance & Significance:
This extraordinary necklace comes directly from the personal vintage collection of acclaimed Mexican artisan-collector Federico Jiménez, whose collection was once exhibited in the Museo Belber‑Jiménez in Oaxaca. That museum, located at Matamoros 307 in downtown Oaxaca, showcased his lifelong pursuit of excellence in Mexican silver, turquoise, gold and folk-art jewelry contexts. When the museum closed (or scaled back), very few pieces from his museum-quality reserves are available—making this piece truly rare and collectible.
Why this necklace is special:
• The craftsmanship is exceptional: Two full strands of heishi-cut turquoise beads (each bead finely shaped, polished, matched) form the base chain.
• At the front, the design diverges into a radiant fringe of large pear/teardrop-shaped spike stones—each one individually selected and placed so that the center drop is the largest, tapering outward. The effect is bold, sculptural and very wearable.
• The hook closure is simple yet secure, in sterling silver, and the weight (168 g) confirms this is a substantial “statement” piece—not lightly made.
• The use of Sleeping Beauty turquoise (renowned for its pure robin’s-egg or sky-blue colour and minimal matrix) raises the desirability considerably.
• From a design vantage: think of the necklace as a collar of two finely worked strands, culminating in a dramatic “fan” of spike stones—the spikes jut outward like stylised rays framing the neckline. This dual-chain / spike motif is uncommon, especially at this level of quality.
Condition & Wear Notes:
• Excellent vintage condition. The turquoise shows natural colour and matrix typical of Sleeping Beauty, and the sterling closure is in excellent working order.
• Because of the weight and size of the front spikes, this necklace will lay best with a crisp neckline (e.g., open collar, boat neck, or V-neck top) to best show the frontal “fan” of stones.
• As this is museum-grade vintage, we recommend careful handling and storage flat or on a soft surface to avoid stressing the front spike elements.
Shipping & Payment Info:
• As with all pieces in our Sterling Style Shop priced above $2,000, this necklace will be shipped via UPS Next-Day, fully insured and signature required at delivery
In summary:
Here is a rare opportunity to own a museum-quality vintage piece from Federico Jiménez Personal vintage collection, elevated by premium Sleeping Beauty turquoise, excellent craftsmanship, and a bold design statement. At 26″ length and 168 g, this is a piece meant to be worn and admired. It belongs in the collection of someone who appreciates true one-of-a-kind jewelry with provenance and purpose.