Navajo Sterling & Natural Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c.1970s View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $2,200.00
- 62 Bid(s) View Bid History
- High Bidder: Gknopic
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Lot # JB139
System ID # 26314627
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End Date
12 Watching
Navajo Sterling & Natural Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c.1960s
A substantial Navajo sterling silver squash blossom necklace dating to the 1960s, set with nineteen natural #8 Mine turquoise cabochons of exceptional quality. The stones display vivid sky to medium blue hues with finely webbed golden-brown matrix, each individually hand-selected for balance and color harmony. Bezel-set over dark oxidized grounds and framed by applied leaf and rope motifs, the turquoise stands in elegant relief against the deeply toned silver, lending the piece both texture and depth.
The necklace is strung on a sterling foxtail chain fitted with ninety handcrafted bench beads and a traditional silver hook clasp. Twelve flared blossoms, each adorned with leaf appliqué and fluted trumpet terminals, lead gracefully to a commanding crescent-shaped naja pendant set with seven turquoise cabochons. The design embodies the classic mid-century Navajo aesthetic—bold in form, refined in detail, and balanced in proportion.
Originating from a New Mexico estate known for its fine Navajo and Zuni jewelry, this necklace represents the enduring artistry of Navajo silversmiths working during the 1960s - 1970s, when #8 turquoise was prized for its clarity of color and intricate matrix patterning. The result is a timeless statement piece that marries sculptural silverwork with the natural beauty of one of Nevada’s most celebrated turquoise mines.
Condition
Good vintage condition. Sterling silver shows gentle surface wear and a consistent, even patina reflecting careful preservation. All turquoise cabochons are natural and securely set with no visible chips, cracks, or replacements. Blossoms, beads, foxtail chain, and naja remain structurally sound. The necklace lays properly when worn and presents with exceptional integrity.
Cultural and Artistic Context
The Navajo squash blossom necklace remains one of the most recognized symbols of Navajo artistry. Its form — a fusion of Navajo creativity and historic Spanish-Moorish design — carries enduring meaning. The naja, a centerpiece symbolizing strength and harmony, while the “blossoms” have come to signify life, beauty, and spiritual renewal.
By the 1970s, Navajo silversmiths had refined the balance between bold scale and intricate silverwork. This necklace captures that moment perfectly: hand-forged, stone-rich, and timeless in design — a piece of living history that embodies both heritage and artistry.
Specifications & Dimensions
- Origin: Navajo
- Date: Circa 1970s
- Materials: Sterling silver and natural turquoise
- Turquoise Cabochons: 19 total, each 14 mm × 9.8 mm (0.55" × 0.39"), sky to medium blue with brown matrix
- Necklace Length: 25 in (63.5 cm)
- Naja Pendant: 3.25 × 3.25 × 0.33 in (8.26 × 8.26 × 0.84 cm)
- Blossoms: 1.50 × 1.03 × 0.40 in (3.81 × 2.62 × 1.02 cm)
- Bench Beads: 6.25 mm (0.25") diameter, 90 total, hand-wrought
- Chain: Sterling foxtail construction
- Clasp: Traditional sterling hook
- Weight: 163.34 grams (5.8 oz)
- Markings: Unmarked, consistent with period Navajo jewelry of the period
- Provenance: From a New Mexico estate of fine Navajo and Zuni jewelry
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