Navajo Mercury Silver Dime Bead & Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, ca. 1940s View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $1,250.00
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- High Bidder: Crios85
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Lot # HK124
System ID # 24289978
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14 Watching
Navajo Mercury Silver Dime Bead & Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, 443g, ca. 1940s
A museum-worthy Navajo squash blossom necklace, ca. 1940s, remarkable for both its scale and its materials. Measuring 24 inches and weighing a substantial 443 grams, the necklace is composed of 59 handmade beads, each crafted from two silver Mercury dimes (1916–1945, 90% silver). Navajo silversmiths of the early 20th century often transformed U.S. coinage into jewelry, doming and soldering coins back-to-back to create beads. These “coin silver beads” are prized today for their rarity and historical significance, as they embody both resourcefulness and artistry.
The necklace includes 12 blossoms (1.5 x 0.69 x 0.8 inches), each bezel-set with turquoise cabochons averaging 15.84 x 11.02 mm, their hues ranging from vivid sky blue to rich green with natural matrix. At the center, a commanding double-bar naja pendant (2.5 x 2.75 x 0.75 inches) is set with three stones, the largest an impressive 28.05 x 23.5 mm. The silver has developed a deep patina, enhancing the contrast with the turquoise and underscoring its age and history.
Old pawn necklaces of this caliber — combining heavy Mercury dime silver beads, exceptional turquoise, and 1940s Navajo workmanship — are increasingly rare. Both a cultural artifact and a statement piece, this necklace represents the enduring beauty of Diné silversmithing.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with patina and light surface wear consistent with age. Stones are secure, with natural inclusions typical of untreated turquoise. Clasp functions properly.
Dimensions
- Length: 24 inches
- Weight: 443 grams
- Naja: 2.5 x 2.75 x 0.75 inches
- Naja center stone: 28.05 x 23.5 mm
- Naja lower stones: 21.06 x 15.04 mm
- Blossoms: 1.5 x 0.69 x 0.8 inches (12 total)
- Blossom stones (avg): 15.84 x 11.02 mm
- Beads: 15.8 mm diameter (59 total, each made from two 90% silver Mercury dimes)
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