Raymond Yazzie Fossilized Lone Mountain Turquoise Necklace

Raymond Yazzie’s masterpiece is an exquisite necklace that showcases his exceptional craftsmanship and the unique features of Lone Mountain Fossil Turquoise. The necklace features rare fossilized Lone Mountain turquoise and gold inlaid beads. The fossilized turquoise is a unique formation where the turquoise is a testament to the rarity and beauty of this gemstone. Raymond’s meticulous inlay work, including two gold beads with opal, fossil turquoise, coral, and lapis, adds accent color to the deep blue-green fossil necklace, making it a one-of-a-kind piece that truly stands out.

 

Dimensions

20″ 3/8 L

Categories: , ,
Artist:

Raymond Yazzie
Master Navajo Jeweler
Fossilized Lone Mountain Turquoise Necklace

 

About the Artist
Raymond Yazzie (Navajo, b. 1959) is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished contemporary Native American jewelers. Renowned for his extraordinary precision, innovative  inlay work, and architectural sense of design, Yazzie creates pieces that are technically complex and visually powerful. His work seamlessly combines precious materials, traditional motifs, and contemporary artistry, pushing the boundaries of Southwestern jewelry.

Trained within a family of esteemed artists, Raymond developed a meticulous approach that reflects both personal vision and cultural grounding. His work is part of major museum collections, including the Smithsonian Institution, and is highly sought after by collectors for its refinement, balance, and bold design.

The Significance of Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the most culturally important and visually celebrated stones in Native American jewelry. Valued for its protective qualities, spiritual symbolism, and natural beauty, turquoise has been used in adornment, trade, and ceremony for thousands of years.

Across the American Southwest—particularly in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico—turquoise mining has yielded some of the finest specimens known. Among these, Lone Mountain Turquoise stands out for its brilliant color, fine matrix, and stability. Even rarer is the formation known as Fossilized Turquoise, in which the gemstone replaces organic matter—an occurrence both scientifically and visually remarkable.

Fossilized Lone Mountain Turquoise
The turquoise featured in this necklace is not only beautiful but also paleontologically rare. These stones formed within crinoid fossils, ancient marine animals that lived during the Pennsylvanian Period, roughly 298 to 323 million years ago. Over millennia, calcite within the segmented stems of crinoids was gradually replaced by turquoise—a rare geological transformation that left behind fossilized turquoise bearing the distinct imprint of prehistoric life.

This type of formation is exceedingly uncommon. Unlike most turquoise, which forms in host rock, fossil turquoise grows in place of ancient biological material. It is incredibly rare to find enough matching fossil segments to create a full strand—making this necklace a true masterwork of natural history and human artistry.

The Necklace
Raymond Yazzie’s necklace is a testament to the rare union of nature’s artistry and human craftsmanship. Featuring an elegant strand of fossilized Lone Mountain turquoise, this piece is accented with 14k gold inlaid beads, two of which are masterfully inlaid with opal, fossil  turquoise, lapis, and coral—signature materials in Yazzie’s palette.

The precision and balance in this necklace speak to Yazzie’s unmatched skill as a jeweler. Every bead is perfectly calibrated in size and composition, creating a visual rhythm that honors both the ancient origins of the material and the artist’s contemporary vision. The combination of turquoise and gold, fossil and fire, tradition and innovation results in a one-of-a-kind necklace that belongs equally in a fine art collection or museum setting.

A Masterpiece of Art, Culture, and Geology
This necklace is more than a piece of jewelry—it is a conversation between earth and time, between cultural legacy and individual expression. With its rare materials and flawless execution, this work by Raymond Yazzie stands as a remarkable tribute to the living tradition of Native American jewelry and the deep stories embedded in stone.

Necklace Length Guide – Find the Right Fit for Your Look

When selecting a necklace, the length makes all the difference in how it feels, looks, and layers. Whether you’re purchasing a fine inlay pendant or a hand-fabricated gold chain, this guide will help you choose the ideal necklace length for your body and style.

Standard Necklace Lengths for Adults

Length Name Where it falls Best For
14″ Choker Tight around the neck High-neck outfits, layering, bold statement
16″ Collar Base of the neck Everyday wear, delicate pendants
18″ Princess Sits at collarbone Classic choice, suits most necklines
20″ Matinee Just below collarbone Slightly longer pendants, high necklines
22–24″ Opera Above bust or mid-chest Statement pendants, layering
30–36″ Rope or Lariat Drapes below the bust Elegant evening wear, versatile wrap styling

Tip: Use a string and ruler to test different lengths before ordering.

Necklace Length Guide for Women

  • 16–18″ is the most popular length for everyday wear.

  • 20–24″ works well for longer pendants or statement pieces.

  • For a more dramatic look or layering, 30”+ lariats can be styled doubled or knotted.

Necklace Length Guide for Men

  • 18″ fits closely around the neck.

  • 20″ falls at the collarbone and is the most common men’s length.

  • 22–24″ offers a relaxed fit for pendants or heavier pieces.

Tips Based on Body Type and Face Shape

  • Petite frames: 16–18″ helps elongate the neck and keeps proportions balanced.

  • Broad shoulders or larger chest: Consider 20–24″ for a comfortable fit.

  • Round or square faces: Longer necklaces (20” and up) help create a more elongated appearance.

  • Oval faces: Almost any necklace length will complement this shape.

Pairing Lengths with Jewelry Styles

At Faust Gallery, many pieces are one-of-a-kind and deserve to be showcased at the perfect length:

  • Inlay pendants or large stones: Opt for 18–22″ to center the piece on the chest.

  • Gold and silver chains: Use 16–20″ for layering or 24″+ for a longer, refined look.

  • Artist-made lariats or figure pendants: Let them shine with 30″+ lengths, styled simply.

Necklace Fit and Styling Tips

  • Measure where you want the pendant or focal point to rest.

  • Consider the weight of the piece—heavier pendants hang lower.

  • Handmade or artist-signed closures may add extra length to the total chain.

  • Try on with the neckline you plan to wear it with for the most accurate look.

Need Help Choosing the Right Length?

We’re here to help you make the perfect selection.

  • Email us at sales@faustgallery.com

  • Visit us in person at our Scottsdale, AZ or Santa Fe, NM galleries

  • Request a photo or video of how the necklace hangs on a bust or model

Custom Chain Lengths Available

Some pieces can be adjusted to suit your preferred length. Contact us before purchasing—we’ll work with the artist when possible to ensure your necklace is tailored to fit your vision.