The world of Native American jewelry holds many treasures, but few pieces capture the imagination like the Loren Thomas Begay Wild Horse Magnesite Pendant. This striking piece, handcrafted with rare white magnesite and natural brown patterns, fuses age-old traditions with profound cultural symbolism—making it a treasured piece for serious collectors and jewelry lovers.
Featuring a beautiful white stone with naturally occurring brown patterns reminiscent of wild horses in motion, this pendant transcends mere adornment by embodying history, nature, and artisanal mastery. It’s a piece of history, culture, and artistic skill all wrapped into one.
Loren Thomas Begay
Loren Thomas Begay has earned acclaim as a masterful Native American jewelry maker whose work is steeped in generations of Navajo (Diné) tradition and familial artistry. Born into the Navajo (Diné) tradition, Begay learned the art of silversmithing from family members who passed down techniques that go back many generations.
Begay’s work blends traditional methods with his creativity. His jewelry pieces are known for their careful attention to detail and strong connection to Navajo culture and beliefs.
Though he keeps a low profile compared to some other artists, Begay’s work speaks volumes about his skill. Each pendant is handmade, ensuring that no two are exactly alike.
What makes Begay’s work special is how he combines old and new. He uses traditional techniques but creates designs that appeal to today’s jewelry fans. This balance of tradition and modernity has earned his work global admirers.
Design & Craftsmanship
The Wild Horse Magnesite Pendant showcases Begay’s skill as both a designer and craftsman. The piece features a beautiful piece of white magnesite stone with stunning brown patterns that create the image of wild horses running free.
What makes the design unique?
What sets this design apart is the artisan’s skillful integration of natural patterns with time-honored techniques, creating an ever-changing play of light and shadow on the magnesite
Unlike mass-produced jewelry, each pendant is shaped and polished by hand. Begay carefully studies each piece of raw magnesite, looking for natural patterns that suggest wild horses. He then shapes the stone to highlight these patterns, working with what nature has provided rather than forcing a design.
The silverwork uses centuries-old Navajo silversmithing techniques, where each bezel is hand-crafted to both securely encase and elegantly highlight the natural beauty of the magnesite. The bezels (the metal edges that hold the stone) are carefully crafted to securely hold the magnesite while showing off its beauty. Many pendants feature decorative silverwork with stamped designs that add texture and visual interest.
The pendant hangs from a silver bail (the loop that holds the chain), allowing it to be worn with different chains or cords.
How is the craftsmanship executed?
Creating each pendant involves many careful steps. First, Begay selects high-quality magnesite stones with interesting natural patterns. He then cuts and shapes each stone by hand using traditional tools.
The silver work begins with melting down sterling silver, which is then formed into the shapes needed for the pendant. Begay uses various tools to stamp designs into the silver, creating texture and patterns that complement the stone.
The most challenging part is setting the stone securely in the silver bezel. This requires steady hands and years of experience. Too tight, and the stone might crack; too loose, and it could fall out. The finished piece is then polished to bring out the shine of both the silver and the stone.
Each pendant takes many hours to complete from start to finish, showing Begay’s dedication to quality over quantity.
Materials, Symbolism, & Importance
Every material selected by Begay is imbued with deep-rooted Native American significance, echoing ancient beliefs and a timeless connection to nature.
What is the significance of magnesite?
Magnesite’s natural patterns create striking visuals and symbolize transformation and balance—a reflection of nature’s unpredictable artistry.
Magnesite is a white mineral with natural brown veining that creates beautiful patterns. It’s been used in Native American jewelry for generations because of its unique appearance and connection to the earth.
The stone is valued not just for its beauty but also for its supposed healing properties. In traditional Native American beliefs, magnesite is thought to bring calm and balance to the wearer. It’s considered a stone of transformation that helps people move through difficult changes in life.
What makes wild horse magnesite special is the natural patterns that look like horses running across the white background. These stones are rare and highly prized, as the patterns occur naturally and can’t be manufactured.
Why is the wild horse a powerful symbol?
The wild horse holds deep meaning in Native American culture, especially among tribes of the American Southwest. Horses represent freedom, strength, and endurance – qualities highly valued in these communities.
For the Navajo, horses symbolize wealth, power, and prestige. They’re also seen as connecting the physical and spiritual worlds, carrying messages between realms.
In Begay’s pendants, the wild horse imagery represents the free spirit that exists in all of us. The horses appear to be running across open landscapes, suggesting movement, progress, and the journey of life itself.
The combination of the white stone with brown horse figures creates a powerful visual story. It speaks to the relationship between humans and nature, reminding us of our connection to the animal world.
Buying Guide & Customer Stories
When considering the purchase of a Loren Thomas Begay Wild Horse Magnesite Pendant, it’s essential to verify authenticity and understand the factors influencing pricing—from the stone’s natural pattern to the intricacy of the silverwork.
These pendants typically range in price from $150 to $500, depending on the size, complexity of the design, and quality of the magnesite stone. More elaborate silverwork or exceptionally clear horse patterns will command higher prices.
The best places to find authentic Begay pendants include:
- Native American art galleries, especially those in the Southwest
- Reputable online marketplaces that specialize in Native American jewelry
- Art shows and powwows where Native American artists sell their work
- Museum gift shops that focus on Native American art
When shopping, always ask for information about the piece’s origin. Reputable sellers will provide details about the artist and materials used. Be wary of very low prices, as they often signal that a piece is not authentic handcrafted work.
Customers who own Begay pendants often comment on how the pieces seem to get better with age. The silver develops a rich patina over time, and many wearers report that they regularly receive compliments and questions about their unique jewelry.
One collector shared: “I’ve been wearing my Wild Horse pendant for five years now, and it still catches people’s eyes. There’s something magical about how the horses seem to move when light hits the stone just right.”
Care & Maintenance Tips
To keep your Loren Thomas Begay Wild Horse Magnesite Pendant looking beautiful for years to come, follow these simple care tips:
Magnesite is softer than many gemstones, rating about 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means it can scratch more easily than harder stones like turquoise. Store your pendant separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
Gently clean your pendant with a soft, lint-free cloth; for deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution—avoid soaking the stone for too long. Never use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners on magnesite.
Over time, the sterling silver will naturally darken or tarnish. Many collectors appreciate this patina as it adds character to the piece. If you prefer the bright silver look, gently polish with a silver polishing cloth, being careful to avoid rubbing the stone.
Remove your pendant before swimming, bathing, or doing heavy work. The stone can be damaged by chemicals in pools or hot tubs, and the setting could be damaged by rough activity.
When not wearing your pendant, store it in a soft pouch or jewelry box away from direct sunlight, which can fade the natural colors in the magnesite over time.
With proper care, your pendant will remain beautiful for generations and could even become a family heirloom.
Collecting Native American Jewelry
Acquiring a Loren Thomas Begay Wild Horse Magnesite Pendant often marks the start of a fascinating journey into the rich world of Native American jewelry collecting—where each piece tells its own story of tradition and craftsmanship.
Each piece tells a story, not just about the artist who made it but about centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. When you wear or display Native American jewelry, you’re connecting with one of America’s most important artistic traditions.
Serious collectors often learn about the different tribes and their specific jewelry-making techniques. Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Santo Domingo/Kewa Pueblo artists each have distinctive styles and approaches to jewelry making.
Many collectors also value the personal connection they develop with artists and their work. Knowing the story behind a piece—who made it, where it’s from, what inspired it—adds layers of meaning beyond the physical beauty of the jewelry.
Conclusion
The Loren Thomas Begay Wild Horse Magnesite Pendant represents the perfect blend of artistic skill, cultural tradition, and natural beauty. Each pendant captures a moment of freedom in stone—wild horses running across an open landscape, framed by carefully crafted silver.
Beyond its beauty as jewelry, the pendant connects the wearer to centuries of Native American artistic tradition. It serves as a reminder of the important relationship between humans, animals, and the natural world.
Whether you’re an experienced collector of Native American art or simply someone who appreciates beautiful, meaningful jewelry, a Begay pendant offers something special. It’s not just an accessory but a piece of wearable art with a story to tell.
As you wear your pendant, you carry with you a small piece of Native American heritage—a reminder of the beauty that comes from honoring tradition while embracing artistic expression. Today, such connections to craftsmanship and culture feel especially meaningful.
