A stunning, one of a kind piece of jewelry made by Navajo artist Ruth Ann Begay.

This 18" necklace with matching earrings is made of silver, turquoise, red and purple spiny oyster shell.

Ruth Ann learned how to silversmith by watching her mother and her sister.  She began silversmithing professionally after high school starting with simple bezels and soldering, then moving on to decorative work such as leaves.

She uses modern tools to make her jewelry and taught herself how to finish silver jewelry.  When she signs her name to a piece, it is important that the quality of her work be something that she can be proud of.