Abalone Shell Mosaic Inlay Pig Pendant, Navajo

A Navajo silversmith created this charming pig-form pendant using abalone shell mosaic inlay — fitting iridescent abalone fragments into a recessed silver setting. Abalone (Haliotis) shell produces its characteristic iridescent play of color through structural coloration — the way light reflects between thin protein and aragonite layers in the shell's nacre. Abalone has been used in Native American jewelry and regalia across the Pacific Coast and Southwest for thousands of years, traded extensively along prehistoric trade routes. Framed in a twisted rope border with stamped detailing. Bale: 1mm. Available exclusively through Turquoise Mustang.