Monongya, Jesse 14k Gold Inlaid Post Earrings

$6,800.00

Jesse Monongya · Navajo/Hopi

Inlaid Gold Post Earrings

These Jesse Monongya earrings bring his celebrated stone-to-stone inlay down to a small, wearable scale. Jesse framed each oval in 14k gold and filled it with turquoise, sugilite, lapis, coral, shell, and mother of pearl. Thin lines of lapis and white shell divide the colors into bands and blocks. As a result, every stone sits tight against the next, with no metal between them.

Metal — 14k yellow gold

Stones — Turquoise, sugilite, lapis, coral, shell, and mother of pearl

Dimensions — ½ × ½ in.

Closure — Post

Hallmark — Signed “J Monongya” with three rain cloud symbols and stamped 14k on the back

Jesse Monongya Earrings with a Painter’s Eye

Look closely, and the two earrings are not identical. Instead, Jesse composed each one on its own, much like a small abstract painting. On one, a panel of spiderweb turquoise sits beside deep purple sugilite and bands of coral, turquoise, and mother of pearl. On the other, a wide field of sugilite balances stripes of coral, turquoise, and shell. Together, they make a matched pair that still feels personal and alive.

At half an inch across, these earrings are easy to wear every day. In addition, the smooth, flush surface of the inlay sits comfortably and catches light without sharp edges. For example, they work as well with a white shirt as they do with an evening look.

A Master of Stone-to-Stone Inlay

Jesse Monongya was known for some of the finest stone-to-stone inlay ever made. He cut and fit each stone by hand, so the colors meet in clean, tight lines. Many of his best-known pieces show night skies, constellations, and bears. However, smaller pieces like these Jesse Monongya earrings show the same precision in a quieter form.

Jesse passed away in 2024, so pieces like these are now part of a finished body of work. Finally, each earring carries his signature on the back, “J Monongya,” with three rain cloud symbols and a 14k stamp.

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Artist:

Jesse Monongya – Master Jeweler of Navajo and Hopi Heritage
1952–2024

Jesse Monongya was a celebrated Native American jeweler of Navajo and Hopi descent, widely known for his extraordinary inlay work and symbolic, sculptural designs. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1952, he was raised by Navajo relatives in the Chuska Mountains near Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, after being abandoned at a young age. His early life was shaped by deep cultural traditions and spiritual teachings, which later informed his artistry.

A turning point in his life came in 1975, when Monongya reunited with his biological father—renowned Hopi jeweler Preston Monongye. Under his father’s mentorship, Jesse began refining his craft, combining Hopi-inspired design sensibilities with Navajo symbolism and a unique vision all his own.

Monongya’s work is best known for its cosmic themes and masterful stone-to-stone inlay technique. Using materials such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral, opal, and fossilized ivory, he created wearable landscapes, spiritual motifs, and celestial symbols. His signature bear pendants, symbolizing strength and protection, became some of his most iconic creations. These intricately inlaid bears often featured stars and planetary elements set against jet or dark backgrounds, evoking the cosmos.

His career spanned decades, during which he earned numerous awards, including Best of Show at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup and Best of Division at Santa Fe Indian Market. His work has been collected and exhibited by leading institutions such as the Heard Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Jesse Monongya passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 6, 2024, at the age of 71. He is remembered not only for his artistic mastery but also for the spiritual depth and cultural richness embedded in each of his creations. His legacy lives on through his influence on younger generations of Native American jewelers, including his own children and apprentices.