Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom - Personal Collection of Joseph Lonewolf [SOLD]

This squash blossom necklace was the personal property of Santa Clara Pueblo potter Joseph Lonewolf, who passed away on November 9, 2014.  It was brought to us by Katheryn Lonewolf, his widow.  Katheryn said that it is the one Joseph wore for personal appearances and special occasions.  She said that the turquoise is known as Blue Gem.  It is not a dainty necklace but Joseph was not known to wear insignificant jewelry. He liked it big and showy. 

The turquoise is absolutely beautiful.  It is sky blue with wonderful copper matrix.  The stones are well matched. The silverwork is typical of the style from the 1960s.  The naja is comprised of 8 individual forms, each of which sits on silver backing in a bezel.  The platform for each has three silver dots at the ends.  Each of the squash blossoms is similarly formed.  The necklace is strung on double silver strands.

Condition:  appears to be in original condition with a minor ding or two

Provenance: from the personal collection of Santa Clara Pueblo artist Joseph Lonewolf who passed away on November 9, 2014.

Recommended Reading: Photo of Joseph Lonewolf appears in this book (several copies are still available from Adobe Gallery): The Pottery Jewels of Joseph Lonewolf, the Dandick Company, Scottsdale, 1975.  All of the photography in this book was done by Peter Bloomer (Horizons West, Flagstaff, Arizona), including this image.  There are many images of Joseph Lonewolf in this book and this image represents best of how Alexander Anthony remembers him.  Notice the similar type of jewelry he is wearing.