Diné Necklace of True Navajo Pearls [SOLD]

This silver beaded necklace is made of what are known as Navajo Pearls.  Many necklaces are listed as Navajo Pearls but they are technically silver bead necklaces, although it has become acceptable to refer to them as such.  The silver beads on this necklace are the size and shape and look of what was originally known as Navajo Pearls.  Just like an ideal pearl from a mollusk each perfectly round and smooth silver bead has a luster and same diameter.

A cast silver naja has been added to the pearl necklace.  It is the old style naja with hands at the ends and a fleur de lis suspended from the top.  Additionally, a silver “mother-in-law” bell has been attached to the end of the necklace.

As a composite necklace, it works well, however, should someone wish to have the pearls only, the necklace could be restrung and the naja and bell removed.  

Defined: 

Navajo Pearls: perfectly rounded and smooth silver beads.

Naja (see below): Early Navajo-made jewelry contained elements that were borrowed directly from Spanish colonial and Mexican ornament. One of these items is the naja, a crescent form of Moorish origin. The Spanish conquerors in the Southwest outfitted their horses with elaborate silver ornaments, one of which was the naja that hung directly on the forehead of the horse as a part of the bridle.

Fleur de lis (see below): a stylized lily composed of three petals bound together near their bases. It is especially known from the former royal arms of France, in which it appears in gold on a blue field.

Mother-in-law bell (see above): traditionally, according to the Navajo way, a man would move into his wife's family home after marriage. In addition, there is a traditional belief that a man should not lay eyes on his mother-in-law. This taboo led to the traditional Navajo "mother-in-law" bell. It was worn by the mother-in-law to warn her son-in-law of her impending arrival. Women would wear silver bells on their clothing, so they could alert household members as to their whereabouts, thereby avoiding any unwanted contact.

Condition: this Diné Necklace of True Navajo Pearls is in excellent condition

Provenance: from a gentleman from Colorado

Recommended Reading: FINE INDIAN JEWELRY OF THE SOUTHWEST: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection by Shelby Tisdale, Ph.D.