Estate jewelry: Sterling silver and turquoise earring and pin/pendant signed by Alberto Contreras
Provenance: The items have had the same owner since 1957

Presented here is an earring and pin/pendant set made by the Tucson AZ Ash Alley artist Alberto Contreras in the 1950s. The pin/pendant and earrings are made with a traditional Native American motif with nuggets of American Turquoise saw tooth bezel set in sterling silver. The items are hallmarked sterling for precious metal content. The pin/pendant measures 2 inches in diameter and the clip-on earrings measure 1 inch in diameter each. They weigh 26 grams and 6 grams respectively. The pieces are in good vintage condition.

The pin/pendant and earrings are signed with the "fancy script" AC makers mark used by Alberto Contreras from 1949 to 1994. As a young artist, he honed his jewelry skills while working for Frank Patania Sr. at his Ash Alley Thunderbird shop from 1940 to 1949. Alberto opened his own Ash Alley shop in 1949.

This earring and pin/pendant set is a piece of South West sterling silver and turquoise history. It will bring
genuine sophistication to your wardrobe!