Can anyone tell me if this is a gut threaded Kewa necklace? I think it looks like it could be, but I’ve never had one. If it is gut threaded, how would one go about caring for it?
Thank you very much

Hi everyone! I'm hoping someone here might be able to help me learn more about a piece from my personal jewelry collection.

It's a sterling silver pendant featuring turquoise and lapis inlay, with a hallmark reading "JD Sterling." From my research, I've come across the name John Duran, but I haven't been able to find much information about the silversmith or confidently verify the attribution.

The pendant weighs 9.78 grams, and it came with a beautiful handmade sterling silver chain measuring approximately 24 inches.

I'd love to know if anyone recognizes the hallmark, knows anything about John Duran's work, or has an idea of when this piece might have been made.

I'm also curious whether the chain might be original to the pendant.

I've included several photos, including close-ups of the hallmark.

Any information would be greatly appreciated! I enjoy learning the history behind the pieces I've collected.