Vintage mid-century faux turquoise traditional silver squash blossom necklace. Every jewelry collection needs a squash blossom necklace! Here you have a chance to purchase a faux version and save yourself thousands. The cabochons used in this piece are high quality and beautiful...and would trick most eyes into seeing them as real turquoise. The hand silver work is also ornate and fantastic, mirroring that of an old pawn American Indian Navajo piece just perfectly. It is 26" in length making it a dramatic, eye catching statement piece with silver beads, stylized squash blossoms, and a large inverted crescent (Naja).

Squash blossom necklaces originated as Navajo necklacse centered by an upside down crescent (or Naja), accented by large flowering silver beads (or squash blossoms.) It is believed the Navajo started creating these beautiful necklaces in the late 1800’s. And the Zuni and the Hopi later adopted the design. This piece was made in the late 1960's. The Naja symbol was created as a talisman for protection, to ward off evil spirits. The Naja shape has also been known as an illustration of the womb. While the necklaces do not have a specific ceremonial use, they were worn as a symbol of one's status, wealth and cultural belonging. And the bigger, the better since it was a time when you wore your wealth in these cultures.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition.

Measurements:

length not including Naja pendant - 26" , pendant is 2" tall x 2 1/8" wide

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique in Los Angeles, CA.