Fox Thunderbird Pin
Fox Thunderbird Pin
Fox Thunderbird Pin

Fox Thunderbird Pin

Traditional Southwest jewelry handmade by Silversmith Chad Barela
Sold Out Held in a private collection

Taken with this one? A piece in its spirit can still be made for you.

Commission something in this spirit
A handwrought sterling silver Thunderbird with wings outstretched, centered on a round Fox turquoise stone set in a smooth straight bezel. The soft green stone sits at the bird's center, framed by hand-stamped feather work that runs the length of each wing, with a fanned, stamped tail below. Finished with a darkened, oxidized patina that sinks into the stamp work and gives the whole piece a vintage, old-pawn feel.
Hand-wroughtAged finish

Date Made

2021

Stone

Fox Turquoise

Metal

Sterling silver

Dimensions

N/A

More Heirlooms

Carico Lake Split Cuff No. 1Carico Lake Split Cuff No. 1HeirloomCarico Lake Split Cuff No. 1HeirloomCarico Lake Split Cuff No. 2Carico Lake Split Cuff No. 2HeirloomCarico Lake Split Cuff No. 2Heirloom

Stone

Fox Turquoise

Mine

Fox Mine

Origin

Nevada

Mine Status

Inactive

Stone Story

Fox Turquoise comes from Lander County, Nevada — also known as the Cortez Mine — and was operated by Dowell Ward through the mid-20th century. At its peak it was one of Nevada's largest turquoise sources, producing roughly half a million pounds of material. The mine has been closed for many years, and what exists in the market today is existing stock — finite, no new material coming. The stone itself is known for its hardness and a color range that runs from green to blue-green with distinctive matrix patterns. Like Royston, it expresses itself diversely.

Silversmith

Second generation silversmith making heirloom quality jewelry true to Southwest tradition for over a decade. Chad's family has more than 200 years of history in New Mexico and you can see that heritage in his work.

Shop available pieces