Some thunderbirds are bold because they’re oversized. This one earns its presence through craftsmanship. At 74 grams, Richard Yazza created a pendant that feels balanced, sculptural, and alive. The sweeping wings, crisp stamp work, and rich Kingman turquoise come together in a piece that honors tradition while carrying the unmistakable signature of one of today’s respected Navajo silversmiths.
Details
- Artist: Richard Yazza
- Tribe: Navajo
- Weight: 74 grams
- Materials: Sterling silver & natural Kingman turquoise
- Large high-grade Kingman center cabochon
- Five matching Kingman accent stones
- Hand-fabricated silver appliqué throughout
- Deep traditional Navajo stamp work
- Oversized hand-stamped bail
- Signed on the reverse
Why It Stands Out
The thunderbird symbolizes strength, protection, courage, and the life-giving storms that sustain the desert. Yazza’s interpretation captures that spirit beautifully, using broad, layered wings filled with carefully placed repoussé silver, dramatic hand stamping, and a perfectly proportioned arrangement of Kingman turquoise.
The center stone steals the show with its vivid robin’s egg blue framed by warm golden matrix—a classic look prized by collectors of quality Kingman material. The smaller stones echo the color beautifully, creating harmony without distracting from the centerpiece.
Eric’s Notes
I love how different this one feels from Richard’s other thunderbirds. The wings are fuller, the silverwork is more sculptural, and that center Kingman cab has exactly the kind of color that makes people stop scrolling. It’s substantial without feeling overbuilt, and at 74 grams it hangs exactly the way a collector-grade pendant should. Throw this on a strand of heavy vintage Navajo pearls and you’ve got one of those necklaces that doesn’t need an introduction.
Some thunderbirds are bold because they’re oversized. This one earns its presence through craftsmanship. At 74 grams, Richard Yazza created a pendant that feels balanced, sculptural, and alive. The sweeping wings, crisp stamp work, and rich Kingman turquoise come together in a piece that honors tradition while carrying the unmistakable signature of one of today’s respected Navajo silversmiths.
Details
- Artist: Richard Yazza
- Tribe: Navajo
- Weight: 74 grams
- Materials: Sterling silver & natural Kingman turquoise
- Large high-grade Kingman center cabochon
- Five matching Kingman accent stones
- Hand-fabricated silver appliqué throughout
- Deep traditional Navajo stamp work
- Oversized hand-stamped bail
- Signed on the reverse
Why It Stands Out
The thunderbird symbolizes strength, protection, courage, and the life-giving storms that sustain the desert. Yazza’s interpretation captures that spirit beautifully, using broad, layered wings filled with carefully placed repoussé silver, dramatic hand stamping, and a perfectly proportioned arrangement of Kingman turquoise.
The center stone steals the show with its vivid robin’s egg blue framed by warm golden matrix—a classic look prized by collectors of quality Kingman material. The smaller stones echo the color beautifully, creating harmony without distracting from the centerpiece.
Eric’s Notes
I love how different this one feels from Richard’s other thunderbirds. The wings are fuller, the silverwork is more sculptural, and that center Kingman cab has exactly the kind of color that makes people stop scrolling. It’s substantial without feeling overbuilt, and at 74 grams it hangs exactly the way a collector-grade pendant should. Throw this on a strand of heavy vintage Navajo pearls and you’ve got one of those necklaces that doesn’t need an introduction.