Seeking information about Native American Symbol and Artist Initials JS

Hello to all! Hoping someone can help me identify the artist's initials JS on this lovely sterling necklace pendant. I have been trying to research it and came up with the artist possibly being James Shay or Josiah Smith? But, not at all sure.... Also hoping someone can provide information about the symbol on the necklace and the general design of the necklace -- what does it mean and what is the Native American tribal affiliation? As a side note, the little silver connector on the chain, near the clasp, appears to say MEX 925 and possibly another word above the MEX. However I have no idea whether this chain is original to the pendant. Also fyi, the pendant itself is quite small; it is approx. 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch. Thank you very much for any help on this.

 

the pendant is a casting....& the design........is well.....just a design.
The turquoise inlay is made in a Zuni style....

 

.....maybe James Shay , Navajo

 

the chain is Mexican.........

 

Thanks for your replies. Yes, I have been wondering whether the initials match with James Shay's initials....however, I noticed that on the pendant, the word sterling is in all caps (STERLING), but on James Shay's initials that I have seen online, the word sterling is different (Sterling). Not sure whether that means anything....

 

maybe the difference is between his cast pieces , and hand made silver items....

 

True. Besides, I have never seen Zuni style channelwork by James Shay, so I doubt it is by him. I do think it is Navajo made, rather than Zuni. That silver surround is much more prominent than a Zuni maker would do.
And I agree, the inlaid design isn't a symbol, just a design.

I'll check my books, but suspect this could be a bit too recent to be listed in them.

 

James Saunders, Navajo:



On a channelwork jewellery set, with relatively heavy silver surround, a technique like yours:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267466163411

ebay links don't work well here, but when you click on the link, go to the right of the bar to the second https etc. Delete everything before that, and click again. You should be able to see the page.

 

At one time the manufactures changed the font on the Sterling tools,I don't know when it happened.

 

Thank you so much and yes, I do think the JS for James Saunders is a match! This is so helpful, as I am trying to assist a friend of mine who is trying to find a new home for this necklace, and she has never attempted to research or place a value on items, so I offered to help her.

 

Very nice of you to help your friend, and I'm glad we were able to help you help her.