Johnny Mike Begay Navajo Squash Blossom 
- Sold Winning Bid: $3,600.00
- 128 Bid(s) View Bid History
- High Bidder: 1dmc1
| Shipping Options | |
|---|---|
| Pickup | $0.00 |
| FedEx / UPS | $12.00 ($3.00 as additional item) |
Johnny Mike Begay Navajo Squash Blossom
This remarkable Squash Blossom necklace is the work of esteemed Navajo silversmith Johnny Mike Begay. Each of the 12 blossoms is intricately set with nine pieces of turquoise.
- Artist: Johnny Mike Begay, esteemed Diné (Navajo Nation) silversmith.
- Period: Circa 1960s.
- Signature: J.M. Begay.
- Materials: Sterling silver and Blue Gem turquoise.
- Craftsmanship: 150 bench-made beads of 8.68 mm diameter; silver beads and ropes interspersed with turquoise.
- Pendant: Stunning large naja pendant set with turquoise in teardrop, round, and oval shapes.
- Measurements: Blossoms measure 36.73 mm X 31.55 mm; Naja is 4 inches by 3 inches.
- Necklace Length: 28 inches with a 3-inch drop and a 4-inch extension adorned with 6.65 mm bench beads.
- Clasp: Traditional silver hook clasp.
- Weight: Substantial at 170.3 grams.
Condition:
In good condition, this necklace has been cherished and maintained with the utmost respect for its cultural heritage. The turquoise stones are securely set. We'll leave the polishing to you.
About the Artist: Johnny Mike Begay, Esteemed Diné Silversmith
Johnny Mike Begay was a celebrated Diné (Navajo Nation) silversmith known for his unique silver jewelry designs. He received numerous awards at the 1976 Santa Fe Indian Market, a highlight of his career that also marked his final year.
During his career, Begay worked at White Hogan in Scottsdale, Arizona, a renowned center for top-quality silversmithing. This location was more than a workplace; it was a gathering spot for talented silversmiths, including Begay and his cousin Kenneth Begay.
Until his passing in 1976, Johnny Mike Begay produced an impressive portfolio, ranging from bracelets to ornate boxes, all showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and style.
In 2002, his work was featured in the "Jewels of the Southwest" exhibition at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, celebrating his enduring impact on the craft.
This Squash Blossom necklace, crafted by Johnny Mike Begay, is not merely an item of adornment but a piece of history, an artifact of a rich cultural heritage represented and carried forward by the skillful hands of a master silversmith.
Size/Specifications:
- Necklace Length: 28 inches
- Dropdown Length: 3 inches
- Naja Dimensions: 4 inches by 3 inches
- Total Weight: 170.3 grams
- Extension: 4 inches with 6.65 mm bench beads
- Clasp: Traditional hook clasp for secure and comfortable wear
Our Commitment to You:
Customer Guarantee
At Mesilla Valley Estate Sales, we take pride in the authenticity and quality of each item we offer. Here's our commitment to you:
- Authenticity Assurance: We guarantee this item to be authentic, handpicked from pre-owned estate collections.
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Please Note:
- Diamond and gemstone weights, colors, and clarity grades are approximate and determined while mounted.
- Treatment of colored stones, pearls, and other gemstones to enhance their appearance is common; these treatments may or may not be noted.
In the rare event of a typographical error in our listings, including gem descriptions and pricing, we reserve the right to correct such errors. If an item is sold based on incorrect information, we will provide a full refund to the buyer and adjust the product information accordingly.
Our guarantee aligns with our pickup policy, ensuring you have the opportunity to review your purchase at the designated pickup time and location. It's important to understand that once the item is picked up, the sale is final, and the item cannot be returned.
We believe that the jewelry you purchase will become cherished heirlooms, admired for generations.
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