It is with great pleasure that we present a one-of-kind necklace by award-winning Navajo artist, Victor Beck.  This phenomenal necklace can be worn in at least six different configurations and features 14k gold, high grade natural turquoises and coral.

The necklace is comprised of three components, which when arranged in different combinations, create 6 distinct necklaces.  The first component is the largest - a 19 inch, 13-strand Mediterranean Coral necklace with small, square 14k gold and Morenci turquoise beads.  The Coral necklace features large 14k gold "cones" on both ends, each inlaid with natural Morenci turquoise and Mediterranean coral. One cone is finished with a hook, while the other has a loop, so that it may be clasped to itself as a standalone necklace as well as to the other two components.

The second component to this necklace is a 12 inch, single strand of hand-rolled beads.  The beads, which Victor hand-cut himself, feature natural Morenci Turquoise, a few natural Carico Lake Turquoise beads, Mediterranean Coral, Pink Coral, White Shell, Abalone Shell, Jet, and 14k Gold Beads.  The strand is finished on both ends by 14k gold cones, and like the Coral Necklace, one end has a hook, and the other a loop.  While this strand of beads is likely too short to be worn as a standalone necklace, it is an integral part of the many necklace combinations.

Sacred Stones

This strand of beads also has special meaning, as Victor has included some Navajo symbolism.  On one end of the strand, there is a series of stones that represent the Four Cardinal Directions for the Navajo, as well as the center direction, or home.  These Four Sacred Stones begin with White Shell, which represents the East, and continue in a clockwise direction to Turquoise (South), Abalone (West), and end with Jet (North).  Following the Sacred Stones are two Pink Coral Beads separated by a Gold bead.  These three stones represent the center of the Navajo reservation, or home.  Victor says it's important that these stones be on the right side so that they proceed in a clockwise direction around the wearer's neck, bringing blessing from all Four Directions to the home.

The last component to this necklace is a 6" hand-made 14k Gold link chain.  It is used primarily to lengthen the main two components and to allow them to be combined in an interesting way. 

What follows are examples of the six ways that Victor explained this necklace can be worn. 

Complete Necklace with Coral on bottom.

Complete Necklace with Turquoise on bottom.

Coral Necklace Only

Coral Necklace with 6" extender

Turquoise Necklace with 6" Extender

Turquoise Necklace within Coral necklace



What do you think of the necklace?  What other configurations can you come up with?  Should we write more in-depth posts about some of our favorite pieces?  Let us know by leaving us a comment below!