Southwestern
American Southwest
1960s
Sterling silver and natural turquoise
Length 24 in / 61 cm
Naja 2 1/8 in / 5.4 cm
91.75 grams
Provenance: Private collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico
This Southwestern necklace follows the squash blossom form, with a strand of fluted silver beads that graduate in size toward the front. Silver squash blossom beads flank the lower half of the strand and lead down to a crescent naja at the center front. A single natural turquoise is set in the naja, the only stone on an otherwise all silver piece.
The squash blossom bead traces to Spanish pomegranate ornament, while the crescent naja descends from Moorish metalwork, both taken into Southwestern silver in the nineteenth century. Worked mostly in plain sterling, the necklace relies on the shape and surface of the silver rather than turquoise clusters for its effect. At 24 inches and just under 92 grams, it is lighter than many period squash blossoms and sits closer to the neck when worn.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Southwestern
American Southwest
1960s
Sterling silver and natural turquoise
Length 24 in / 61 cm
Naja 2 1/8 in / 5.4 cm
91.75 grams
Provenance: Private collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico
This Southwestern necklace follows the squash blossom form, with a strand of fluted silver beads that graduate in size toward the front. Silver squash blossom beads flank the lower half of the strand and lead down to a crescent naja at the center front. A single natural turquoise is set in the naja, the only stone on an otherwise all silver piece.
The squash blossom bead traces to Spanish pomegranate ornament, while the crescent naja descends from Moorish metalwork, both taken into Southwestern silver in the nineteenth century. Worked mostly in plain sterling, the necklace relies on the shape and surface of the silver rather than turquoise clusters for its effect. At 24 inches and just under 92 grams, it is lighter than many period squash blossoms and sits closer to the neck when worn.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
