Some artists use silver as a frame.
Vernon Begay uses it as architecture.
His work has an unmistakable presence—bold geometric forms, expansive planes of sterling silver, and meticulously cut inlay that feels less like jewelry and more like modern Southwestern art. Every line is intentional. Every angle creates balance. Every stone contributes to a larger composition.
At the center of this pendant, strips of brilliant turquoise, lapis lazuli, Mediterranean coral, jet, sugilite, and luminous shell rise together like the colors of a desert mesa catching the last light of day. Each piece was individually cut, shaped, and fitted by hand, requiring extraordinary patience before the silver channels disappeared and the image became whole.
Above it, a simple turquoise triangle quietly anchors the composition, completing one of Begay’s signature architectural silhouettes.
The result is timeless.
Deeply rooted in Navajo tradition…
Yet undeniably modern.
This isn’t simply an inlay pendant.
It’s wearable Southwestern sculpture.
Artifact Registry
Artifact Name: Painted Mesa
Maker: Vernon Begay (Hallmark: VAB)
Tribe/Origin: Navajo
Era: Contemporary
Materials: Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Mediterranean Coral, Jet, Sugilite, Mother-of-Pearl
Construction: Hand-fabricated sterling silver pendant featuring precision channel inlay in multiple natural gemstones, architectural stepped silverwork, matching turquoise inlaid connector, and sterling elongated-link chain.
Condition: Excellent condition.
Collector’s Gallery Value: $3,800
Estimated gallery offering price for an exceptional Vernon Begay inlay pendant offered through a premier Native American art gallery specializing in contemporary Navajo jewelry.
Field Observation
Vernon Begay is recognized for combining traditional Navajo silversmithing with a distinctly contemporary architectural aesthetic. His work emphasizes clean geometric forms, expansive polished silver surfaces, and exceptionally precise channel inlay. This pendant showcases many of his defining characteristics, including dramatic stepped silhouettes and flawless lapidary execution using turquoise, lapis, coral, jet, sugilite, and shell. The restrained silverwork allows the inlay to function almost like a modernist painting, giving the piece an unmistakable museum-quality presence.
Eric’s Notes from the Field
Vernon has this rare ability to make something incredibly complex feel effortless.
The inlay is extraordinary…
…but what always gets me is the restraint.
He knows exactly when to stop.
That’s confidence.
And it’s why you can spot one of his pieces from across the room.
Some artists use silver as a frame.
Vernon Begay uses it as architecture.
His work has an unmistakable presence—bold geometric forms, expansive planes of sterling silver, and meticulously cut inlay that feels less like jewelry and more like modern Southwestern art. Every line is intentional. Every angle creates balance. Every stone contributes to a larger composition.
At the center of this pendant, strips of brilliant turquoise, lapis lazuli, Mediterranean coral, jet, sugilite, and luminous shell rise together like the colors of a desert mesa catching the last light of day. Each piece was individually cut, shaped, and fitted by hand, requiring extraordinary patience before the silver channels disappeared and the image became whole.
Above it, a simple turquoise triangle quietly anchors the composition, completing one of Begay’s signature architectural silhouettes.
The result is timeless.
Deeply rooted in Navajo tradition…
Yet undeniably modern.
This isn’t simply an inlay pendant.
It’s wearable Southwestern sculpture.
Artifact Registry
Artifact Name: Painted Mesa
Maker: Vernon Begay (Hallmark: VAB)
Tribe/Origin: Navajo
Era: Contemporary
Materials: Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Mediterranean Coral, Jet, Sugilite, Mother-of-Pearl
Construction: Hand-fabricated sterling silver pendant featuring precision channel inlay in multiple natural gemstones, architectural stepped silverwork, matching turquoise inlaid connector, and sterling elongated-link chain.
Condition: Excellent condition.
Collector’s Gallery Value: $3,800
Estimated gallery offering price for an exceptional Vernon Begay inlay pendant offered through a premier Native American art gallery specializing in contemporary Navajo jewelry.
Field Observation
Vernon Begay is recognized for combining traditional Navajo silversmithing with a distinctly contemporary architectural aesthetic. His work emphasizes clean geometric forms, expansive polished silver surfaces, and exceptionally precise channel inlay. This pendant showcases many of his defining characteristics, including dramatic stepped silhouettes and flawless lapidary execution using turquoise, lapis, coral, jet, sugilite, and shell. The restrained silverwork allows the inlay to function almost like a modernist painting, giving the piece an unmistakable museum-quality presence.
Eric’s Notes from the Field
Vernon has this rare ability to make something incredibly complex feel effortless.
The inlay is extraordinary…
…but what always gets me is the restraint.
He knows exactly when to stop.
That’s confidence.
And it’s why you can spot one of his pieces from across the room.
