J1071 Nila Cook-Johnson
Old style sterling silver pendant with two Carico Lake Turquoise cabochons by Navajo silversmith Nila Johnson. The 3/4” x 1 5/8” handmade pendant has a 5/8” bale.
Carico Lake is a turquoise that comes from a large active mine in Nevada. In the last twenty years it has been mined sporadically so it is a relatively scarce turquoise. The green and blue-green spider web turquoise has a unique matrix and is one of the finest turquoise in North America.
About the Artist
Nila Cook Johnson
Nila (pronounced neela) Johnson (formerly Nila Cook) is an experienced silversmith who specializes in old style cluster bracelets. She is known for the excellent quality of her work. She has three daughters, aged 8 to 20, and lives on the Navajo reservation. Her Navajo silver jewelry is very popular and famous.
When it comes to silversmithing, Nila Cook-Johnson is a master craftsman. Her choice of stones is superb, and this duo of cabochons are perfectly matched and free of inclusions. Nila’s silver work reflects back on the distant past, to the very origins of the art. With simple tools and materials, Nila creates outstanding objects of wearable art.
The pendant is hallmarked "NC" for Nila Cook before she got married and became Nila Cook Johnson, so this dates back into the early 1970's at the beginning of her career.
