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Vintage SJ Sterling Silver Malachite Bear Paw Necklace
A distinctive vintage sterling silver necklace featuring five graduated bear-paw stations set with rich green malachite and finished with a pair of articulated silver feather drops.Four smaller bear paws lead to a larger central paw, creating a beautifully balanced Southwestern design.
Each smaller paw is set with an approximately 5mm round malachite cabochon.The central bear paw features a larger oval malachite cabochon measuring approximately 8.8mm x 10.4mm.
Two articulated feather drops hang beneath the central paw, adding movement and character to the design.The central paw measures approximately 27mm x 35mm, excluding the feather drops.
Each smaller paw measures approximately 13mm x 20mm including its connecting loop.The necklace measures approximately 480mm (18.9 inches) end to end and weighs approximately 9 grams.
The reverse of the central piece is clearly stamped STERLING and carries the initials SJ.Research located documented vintage sterling silver and malachite jewelry by Navajo silversmith Selina Jake bearing an SJ hallmark, together with comparable SJ-marked bear-paw jewelry. However, no original artist documentation accompanies this necklace, so the maker is not represented as conclusively identified.
The necklace is pre-owned and shows normal signs of age and previous wear, including surface scratches, patina and tarnish. It has not been aggressively polished or restored.
Please examine all photographs closely. Detailed views of the malachite, silverwork, bear-paw stations, feather drops, reverse and STERLING / SJ hallmark are included so you can see exactly what you are purchasing.
