Sterling Silver Navajo Pearls [SOLD]

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Artist Unknown

Clasp of this necklace

Navajo artists have been creating works of art out of silver since the middle of the 19th Century.  They learned the art of silversmithing from their Mexican neighbors. Since then, the skillful craftsmanship of Navajo jewelers has become world renown. In the Southwest, sterling silver beads are sometimes referred to as “Navajo Pearls.” The simple elegance of a strand of silver beads with no other adornment is like that of cultured pearls.

This set of “Navajo Pearls” is comprised of 79 quarter-inch beads. The beads are unstamped, the natural shine and patina are the only decoration.  The patina on the beads is evidence of almost 50 years of loving wear. The craftsmanship required to cut and shape these silver beads is amazing. Each individual bead is painstakingly cut, soldered and polished. Then they are strung on a silver chain. At each end of the string of beads is a silver cone and clasp. The necklace is well constructed and hangs well when worn.


Condition: The beads are in excellent condition. There is a patina that comes from almost 50 years of wear.

Provenance: The Sterling Silver Navajo Pearls was a gift to the current owner in the early 1970s. It was purchased in Albuquerque.

Recommended Reading: Ray Manley's Collecting Southwestern Indian Arts & Crafts by Ray Manley

Close up view of this necklace.

Artist Unknown
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