1950s Navajo Snake Eyes Squash Blossom Necklace -- Turquoise & Sterling Silver View Watchlist >
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$12.00
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Lot # JE127
System ID # 22282645
Start Date
End Date
20 Watching
1950s Navajo Snake Eyes Squash Blossom Necklace -- Turquoise & Sterling Silver
An fine example of mid-century Navajo silversmithing, this sterling silver squash blossom necklace from the 1950s is paired with its original matching clip-back earrings — a combination rarely found intact today.
Designed in the distinctive “snake eyes” style, the necklace features 12 skillfully crafted squash blossoms, each set with four bezel-set turquoise cabochons. A crescent-shaped naja pendant at the center is adorned with 17 additional bezel-set turquoise stones, creating a harmonious and traditional design.
In total, the necklace holds 65 vivid, approximately 3 mm turquoise snake eyes cabochons, exhibiting the characteristic hues of Kingman or Cerrillos mine turquoise — known for vibrant blue tones and minimal matrix. Visual inspection confirms these stones are natural and untreated.
The necklace is strung with (135) individually bench-made sterling silver beads, approximately 7.9 mm each, secured on a sturdy sterling silver foxtail chain with a traditional hook clasp for long-term wear. Each blossom and the naja are hand-soldered, with serrated bezels individually cradling the cabochons, underscoring the set’s fine artisanal construction.
The matching sterling silver earrings, marked “STERLING,” each feature four matching turquoise cabochons, providing a rare opportunity to acquire a complete, original set — a notable point, as many vintage squash blossom sets have been separated over time.
Provenance:
-
From a distinguished private collection in New Mexico.
Condition:
- Good vintage condition with minor surface wear appropriate for its age.
- Turquoise stones securely set; original necklace clasp fully functional.
- Earrings feature reliable, working clip-backs.
- We'll leave the polishing to you.
Dimensions & Weight:
- Necklace length: 25" with an additional 1.5" drop (naja)
- Squash Blossoms: 1" x 0.75" x 0.25" each
- Naja size: 2.25" x 1.66" x 0.12"
- Sterling beads: approximately 7.9 mm each
- Necklace weight: 79.30 grams
- Earrings: 0.71" x 0.71" x 0.33"; total earring weight: 4.92 grams
Additional Notes
This set was previously mounted in a custom shadow box display; the frame will accompany the lot for remounting if the winning bidder desires. Complete necklace-and-earring sets from this period are less commonly found intact, as many were separated over time.
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Please Note:
- Diamond and gemstone weights, colors, and clarity grades are approximate and determined while mounted.
- Treatment of colored stones, pearls, and other gemstones to enhance their appearance is common; these treatments may or may not be noted.
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