Navajo Minnie Thomas Sterling Silver & Royston Turquoise Necklace, 1970s View Watchlist >
Seller Accepts Credit Cards
Payment and pickup instructions will be available on your invoice (under "My Account") at the conclusion of this auction.
Pickup
$0.00
Signature Confirmed Shipping
$12.00
($3.00 as additional item)
Lot # HJ109
System ID # 23900634
Start Date
End Date
6 Watching
Navajo Minnie Thomas Sterling Silver & Royston Turquoise Necklace, 1970s
This striking Navajo necklace is attributed to silversmith Minnie Thomas, active in the 1970s. The piece is set with six substantial natural Royston turquoise cabochons, each framed in sterling silver bezels with hand-tooled edges. The stones display a vibrant range of green-to-blue hues with rich golden-brown matrix, a hallmark of the Royston mining district in Nevada.
The cabochons are mounted on a strand of 51 handmade sterling silver bench beads, finished with traditional sterling cones and hook clasp. The necklace retains its authentic vintage patina, underscoring its age and originality.
The scarcity of Minnie Thomas' signed works adds to the collectability of this necklace.
Specifications
- Artist: Minnie Thomas, Navajo (attributed, 1970s)
- Materials: Sterling silver and natural Royston turquoise
- Length: 20" (50.8 cm) including bezels
- Weight: 147.3 g (5.19 oz)
- Beads: 51 sterling bench beads, approx. 8.61 mm diameter
Cabochons:
- Smallest: 31.12 mm x 21.29 mm x 10 mm (1.58" x 1.15" x 0.40")
- Largest: 45.2 mm x 25.14 mm x 10 mm (1.92" x 1.28" x 0.40")
- Closure: Sterling cones with hook clasp
- Construction: Sterling silver strung on wire
Condition
Good vintage condition with authentic patina and oxidation. Signs of use and light surface wear consistent with age. Stones secure in settings, with natural matrix and inclusions typical of untreated turquoise. We have left the silver unpolished, allowing the buyer to decide whether to retain its vintage character or restore its shine.
Historical Notes
The Royston turquoise mine, near Tonopah, Nevada, is famed for producing stones in a unique spectrum of colors—from soft sky blue to deep forest green—often with bold brown or golden matrix. Royston turquoise is highly collectible for its dramatic color contrast and remains a favorite among Navajo silversmiths.
Silversmith Minnie Thomas worked during the flourishing period of Native American jewelry in the 1970s, when artists combined traditional forms with bold turquoise settings. While little biographical detail survives, her signed pieces confirm her hand in creating distinctly Navajo silverwork that embodies the era’s enduring style.
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.
- Accurate Description: We guarantee that the type of metal, weight, and maker of each item are described accurately on our website. We ensure thorough verification of these specifics before listing.
- Review at Pickup: You will have the opportunity to review your item during the designated pickup time. We encourage you to inspect your purchase to confirm that it matches the description provided. Please note, once you leave the property with the item, it is considered yours.
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.
Your satisfaction and trust in our offerings are paramount to us.
