Description
Marian Nez Navajo Sterling and turquoise necklace 18" long necklace, 4" x 1.25" pendant, 48.3 grams with no issues.
Marian Nez (’Alch’i’håå baa’); a Navajo originally from Tohajiilee, New Mexico.
Marian is the wife of Navajo Silversmith, Leonard Nez.
“The love of being a silversmith started long before I knew to design jewelry. I
had watched my parents work on their jewelry and decided to solder some pieces
for them when they made a trip to town. Little did I know that this was to be
the beginning of my love of jewelry making. I will always give thanks and
forever be grateful to my parents for introducing me to the craft and handing
down this amazing skill to me.
Starting in the late 1970’s I worked in various jewelry shops through
Albuquerque, New Mexico, doing mass production work and designing individual
pieces. During my work with Zachary Jewelry Company, they promoted my creativity
and entered some individual pieces of my jewelry in art shows. My designs were
awarded first and second place ribbons. In addition, a photo of me working on my
jewelry was published in the book, “Allure of Turquoise Book” written by Joe Dan
Lowry.
In early 2000’s my husband Leonard Nez (whom I taught the craft to) and I
started our own jewelry business. After my father passed from complication of
diabetes, I decided to explore the health field to understand and educate myself
about diabetes and help others. I enrolled in Community Colleges where I
accomplished my goal of becoming a Certified Community Health Worker,
specializing in diabetes prevention with Native people. My passion for my
jewelry still lingered, so I worked part-time on my jewelry. I did not want to
lose the unique craftsmanship and design work I so loved.
The designs that I now create represent a tribute to my parents, who I am, and
where I come from. Each piece that is created comes from the humble heart and
positive thoughts. I want the person wearing my jewelry to know and feel the
love that’s behind my work.”
-Marian Nez
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. Anything marked is guaranteed to be what
it's marked, most bracelets are photographed on a 6" wrist (non hairy), rings
photographed on the appropriate sized finger when possible. With bracelets if
the measurement is not given in the description then inside circumference is
shown where the metal meets the number on the the cloth tape measure.
