Navajo
American Southwest
1930s
Sterling silver
Length 28 in / 71 cm
Naja 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 in / 6.4 x 8.3 cm
233.81 grams
Provenance: Private collection, San Diego, California
This Navajo necklace takes the full squash blossom form but works entirely in sterling silver, without the turquoise usually set into the blossoms or the naja. The strand is built from fluted silver beads that catch light along their ridges, graduating in size toward the front. Silver squash blossom beads flank the lower half of the necklace and lead down to a plain crescent naja at the center.
The squash blossom bead derives from Spanish pomegranate ornament, while the crescent naja descends from Moorish metalwork, both absorbed into Navajo silver in the nineteenth century. Left unset, the silver carries the piece on its own, relying on the weight and surface of the metal rather than stones for its presence. At 28 inches and just over 233 grams, this is a substantial necklace made to be worn for ceremony and display.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Navajo
American Southwest
1930s
Sterling silver
Length 28 in / 71 cm
Naja 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 in / 6.4 x 8.3 cm
233.81 grams
Provenance: Private collection, San Diego, California
This Navajo necklace takes the full squash blossom form but works entirely in sterling silver, without the turquoise usually set into the blossoms or the naja. The strand is built from fluted silver beads that catch light along their ridges, graduating in size toward the front. Silver squash blossom beads flank the lower half of the necklace and lead down to a plain crescent naja at the center.
The squash blossom bead derives from Spanish pomegranate ornament, while the crescent naja descends from Moorish metalwork, both absorbed into Navajo silver in the nineteenth century. Left unset, the silver carries the piece on its own, relying on the weight and surface of the metal rather than stones for its presence. At 28 inches and just over 233 grams, this is a substantial necklace made to be worn for ceremony and display.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
