Derrick Gordon is a young Navajo silversmith whose work we've been buying for about three years. We've watched him progress over the last few years from being a smith who could competently execute stampwork, set stones and emulate the work of other master smiths. Now, however, he is coming into his own as a "composer" within his genre of Traditional Revival jewelry. We often think of the smiths as analogous to musicians; particularly guitarists. Any renowned guitarist passes through an early phase wherein his potential is tested in mastering covers of original tunes by other axemen. Then, a turning point occurs where the imitator finds his own voice. This voice is a compendium of all the things he (or she) has learned, but has an additional special twist which is unique to this particular artist. Some artists never pass through this phase and accede to their full potential; they hug the trunk of the tree for safety instead of walking the limb. Derrick is now walking the limb....

This is a stylistic continuation of a series of pendants made by Derrick in September 2005. Once again, this shows Derrick's fondness for ornately detailed appliquée work. Such appliquées are extremely time-consuming to make as each piece is cut out, stamped or domed and then must be assembled in perfect symmetry for the design to have balance. The pendant is built on a foundational plate to which the bezel is soldered, as are all the individual, small appliquées. This one features a vivid blue stone of natural, untreated Sleeping Beauty turquoise from Arizona. This is a "Zuni" cut, meaning that the stone undulates and has dips in its surface consistent with a stonecutting technique which seeks to gouge out the host rock which hides the turquoise deposit within. The large bale has an opening which is approximately 9 mm. in diameter and this looks particularly nice on Erma Arviso's Sterling beads of 6 mm. or 7 mm. diameter.

Hallmarked "Derrick" and stamped "Sterling" on back.

Stone: 1 1/4" x 15/16"

Dimensions (excluding bale & fixed jump ring): 1 15/16" x 1 9/16"

Total hang (including bale & jump ring): 2 5/8"