Large Authentic hand made old pawn American Indian Navajo sterling silver & turquoise traditional squash blossom necklace. This necklace was purchased by a collector in 1940, meaning it dates back even further, but the exact date of creation is not known. This majestic statement piece consists of sterling silver beads, stylized squash blossoms, and a large inverted crescent (Naja) with a dramatic dangling pendant all adorned in genuine Brisbane turquoise! The natural turquoise in this necklace is the perfect shade of blue and plentiful, being placed throughout. There are 18 large pieces of natural turquoise, each of which has been expertly bezel set and embellished with a hand-twisted sterling silver rope design. The necklace measures 29" from end to end. The Naja is 3" long by 3" wide.

Excellent condition - genuine, not reproduction.

A squash blossom necklace is a Navajo necklace centered by an upside down crescent (or Naja), accented by large flowering silver beads (or squash blossoms.) This piece was hammered and shaped, without melting or casting the metal.

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, and when a squash blossom necklace has one turquoise piece suspended from the Naja, it is interpreted to be a representation of a child in 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—you wore your silver and you wore your turquoise.

Measurements:

The necklace measures 29" from end to end

The Naja is 3" long by 3" wide

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