Sterling Silver Navajo Pearls Choker with Stamped Beads [SOLD]

This Navajo Pearl necklace consists of 47 beautifully stamped sterling silver beads. They range in size, from ¾” in the middle to ⅜” at the ends.  The beads diminish in size gradually, giving the necklace an even flow as it hangs. Each bead was fashioned by soldering two stamped circular forms together and then drilling a hole. The finished beads were strung on a silver chain.

These elegant silver bead necklaces are referred to as “pearls” because they are the Native American equivalent of the classic white pearl necklace. They are the go-to piece of jewelry that goes with everything. Strings of silver beads are seen in early photographs of both Pueblo and Navajo people. This necklace was very well made, the graduated beads fall gracefully. The necklace is unsigned. 

Condition: this Sterling Silver Navajo Pearls Choker with Stamped Beads is in excellent condition

Provenance: from the collection of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading:

- Navajo Silver: A Brief History of Navajo Silver by Arthur Woodward

- Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone by Lois Essary Jacka

Relative Links: necklace, Navajo, Southwest Indian Jewelry