Turquoise and Silver Squash Blossom Necklace [SOLD]

During the turquoise jewelry boom of the 1960s and 70s, Diné (Navajo) artists began to produce large, wonderful pieces to sell to shops in the Southwest and to the tourists coming to the reservation. High quality turquoise was still easy to find and artists were eager to use innovative and creative techniques to set the turquoise.

This necklace made by Diné artist L. Bennett is a great example of work during this time. The very high quality turquoise stones have a fabulous rich blue color and the matrix is a deep brown flecked with gold. It is the stones that make this piece. As is the traditional Diné way, the settings highlight the beauty of the stones.

The naja of the necklace contains 10 stones set in perfect symmetry. Each is placed in a hand-made bezel that is stamped with a sunrise design. The squash blossoms are set on a double row of sterling beads. The necklace is in perfect condition, there is no damage to the stones or silver. The silver has a fine patina that reflects its age.