Diné Silver and Possibly Blue Gem Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace [SOLD]

C4496B-necklace.jpg

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Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Necklaces
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: silver, possibly Blue Gem turquoise
  • Size:
    24-½” long; naja 3” x 3-¼”
  • Item # C4496B
  • SOLD

A simple hook and loop secures this necklace.

This Navajo Nation silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace appears to be from the mid-twentieth century, a time when large displays of beautiful turquoise were in vogue.  Each turquoise gemstone on the blossoms measures ¾” x 9/16”, the largest cab on the naja measures 1” x 11/16”, the suspended cab in the naja is ¾” x ½”, and the six cabs on the naja are each 9/16” x ½”.  That is a massive amount of turquoise.

Each square-cut turquoise gemstone was set in a silver bezel surrounded by a delicate silver wire rope.  The edges of each turquoise cab were contoured smoothly to eliminate sharp ends.  The workmanship on the turquoise was masterful.  The necklace is strung on silver chain-link wire.

Close examination of the necklace reveals that there were extra precautions taken at every step to produce the finest and flawless necklace possible.

What is a Naja? 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 in elaborate silver ornaments—one of which was the naja that hung directly on the forehead of the horse as a part of the bridle.


Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Diné Silver and Possibly Blue Gem Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace is from the collection of a client from Colorado

Recommended Reading: SKYSTONE AND SILVER The Collector’s Book of Southwest Indian Jewelry by Carl Rosnek and Joseph Stacey

Relative Links: jewelryDiné of the Navajo Nation, Necklaces

Close up view of the naja.

Jeweler Once Known
  • Category: Necklaces
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: silver, possibly Blue Gem turquoise
  • Size:
    24-½” long; naja 3” x 3-¼”
  • Item # C4496B
  • SOLD

C4496B-necklace.jpgC4496B-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.