J1184 Etta Endito
Sterling silver link necklace by Navajo silversmith Etta Endito. The 21” necklace has fifteen Tyrone Turquoise cabochons, graduated in size. The largest is 1/2” x 1”.
Etta learned her craft from her Mother, while growing up in Crownpoint NM. By the time she completed high school, Etta was already creating her own distinctive jewelry.
Turquoise mining in the Burro Mountains near Silver City, New Mexico, has been going on since pre-historic times. The Tyrone mine produced great quantities of hard, deep and bright blue turquoise as well as pale spring green turquoise.
About the artist
Etta Endito
Etta and Randy Endito have been making jewelry together since 1980. Etta from Crownpoint, New Mexico and Randy from Smith Lake, New Mexico met in 1978.
As children both Etta and Randy learned the art of silversmithing from their mothers. Etta and Randy both helped their mothers in their jewelry making after school. Both mothers were very good silversmiths. Etta has a piece of jewelry that her father made years ago, which she treasures. Etta and Randy have enormous of respect for their parents and are grateful for the lessons they learned.
Randy shapes and stamps the silver. Etta creates the designs and patterns. Etta says, “We are proud to be making jewelry. This is something we still make in America, by Americans. Buy Native American Made!”
Etta's silverwork has been featured in the Indian Craft Shop, at the Department of Interior, in Washington, DC. She is one of eight Native American artists chosen from throughout the United States for this honor.
The Endito family is a true team, loving and respectful of one another.
