Clark, Carl & Irene Sterling Silver Pin/Pendant “Yei Dog”

Carl & Irene Clark · Navajo

Micro Inlay Yei Dog Pin/Pendant

This micro inlay dog pin by Carl and Irene Clark turns a simple, stylized dog into a mosaic of hundreds of tiny stones. Carl cut and set every piece of turquoise, coral, lapis, jet, and mother of pearl by hand, and Irene built the sterling silver form that holds them. At the center of the body sits their signature Yei figure. Because it has both a pin back and a bail, you can wear it as a brooch or on a chain.

A Micro Inlay Dog Pin Built Stone by Stone

Look closely at this micro inlay dog pin, and the color moves like a desert sky. At the head and back, light turquoise dominates. Then coral takes over through the middle of the body. Finally, deep blue lapis gathers in the legs and the tip of the tail. As a result, the whole dog seems to glow from top to bottom, like a sunset fading into night.

On the body, Carl set a small Yei figure. He framed its turquoise face with lapis above and fine bands of jet and mother of pearl on each side. Above it, lines of jet and turquoise form a chevron. In addition, the clean silver outline Irene shaped around the dog keeps every angle, from the pointed ear to the long tail.

Micro-Fine Inlay by Carl and Irene Clark

Carl and Irene Clark became famous for micro-fine inlay, a technique that uses extremely small, precisely cut stones. They divide the work: Carl does all of the inlay, while Irene handles the metalwork. Together, they push Navajo inlay to a level of detail few jewelers attempt. In short, this micro inlay dog pin shows that precision in a playful, wearable form. Finally, the back carries their stylized hallmark.