Byron McCurtain Sterling Silver Pendant with Reticulation [SOLD]

Deep blue lapis gemstones with small thin segments of sugilite and coral are set in a “cushion inlay” fashion atop a reticulated silver surface on this amazing pendant by Kiowa artist Byron McCurtain. McCurtain’s talents as a world-class lapidary artist are apparent as you look at the carefully cut pieces set in the shape of an exotic scarab. The inlay style called “cushion inlay” refers to the process where the semiprecious stones are cut and then combined into a design. Then the artist smooths the edges and rounds them off like a seat cushion. This process makes the piece reflect more light and appear more lustrous than regular flat inlay. 

The stone image on this pendant, which was specially made on commission by Byron McCurtain for the owners Marvin and Betty Rubin, resembles an ancient Egyptian scarab. The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Byron set thin segments of sugilite and coral perpendicularly separating three perfectly shaped segments of beautiful blue lapis. Each segment was carefully “cushioned”, illuminating the scarab as it rests on a reticulated surface of textured silver.

The pendant is attached to a handmade linked silver chain. The pendant can be removed, and the chain worn separately 

Byron McCurtain was born in 1958 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was a descendant of the great Kiowa chief Lone Wolf. He showed artistic promise as a young man and attended IAIA (Institute of American Indian Arts) in Santa Fe. After graduating in 1982, he worked at Santa Fe Stoneworks where he developed his lapidary skills. He then apprenticed with Gibson Nez, the award-winning Diné jeweler, afterwards returning to IAIA to study three-dimensional jewelry making. 

According to Marvin and Betty Rubin’s detailed collection records, they purchased the pendant and necklace from the artist in 1991. It had been made especially for them. The pendant is signed “BYRON KIOWA” along with a geometric hallmark.

Condition: The pendant and necklace are in excellent shape. 

Provenance: this Byron McCurtain Sterling Silver Pendant with Reticulation is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin

Recommended Reading: Southwest Silver Jewelry by Paula Baxter

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Kiowa Nation, Byron McCurtain, Kiowa Jewelry