Description
Benny and Valerie Aldrich sterling intarsia inlay cross pendant. No issues, weight and measurements in pics.
Nestled in the mountains of Durango, Colorado, Benny and Valerie Aldrich and
their staff of four maintain a group purpose: operating in harmony and balance,
to create expressions of perfection and love for themselves and others. Using
the elements of the earth and sea, their works of art pass from hand to hand to
create jewelry of unique heirlooms of uncompromised beauty.
The Aldrichs style of intarsia inlay incorporates old world style combined with
the new world of vivid colors and craftsmanship. From earth tones to extreme
shimmer and sparkle, the jewelry reminds you of natures butterflies and humming
birds.
Valeries use of combining vivid colors and Bennys expertise of gold and
silver-smithing is executed masterfully; framing them into wearable art that is
unsurpassed.
The Aldrichs were pioneers in incorporating faceted gemstones into southwestern
style jewelry in the early 1970s. They were among the first to re-introduce
spiney oyster and purple burro shell to the blooming industry. Their
relationship with worldwide miners and importers is crucial to obtaining the
magnificent colors they are famous for. This is a result of searching gem and
mineral shows for over 45 years.
All precious metals are tested and guaranteed, any Native American jewelry
referred to as Silver or Sterling is guaranteed to be a minimum of 90% (coin)
silver and possibly higher content. Most cuff bracelets are shown photographed
on a 6" woman‘s wrist and will include a photo showing the inside circumference
where the metal tip meets the number on the tape measure.
All precious metals are tested and guaranteed. A Native American jewelry piece referred to as "silver" or "ingot" is guaranteed to be at least 90% silver. I rarely use the word "sterling" when referring to older Native American silver or really any older silver jewelry as silver contents vary and "sterling" is 92.5% silver. No older jewelry is going to be exactly 92.5% silver, some a little over, some a little under. It wasn‘t an exact thing with handmade jewelry. I‘ve seen thousands of pieces xrf‘d to prove this. Bracelets are photographed on a 6" women‘s wrist.
