Maker: Unknown, but most likely Navajo. It is unsigned (which was common of Native American jewelry from this time period).
Approx. Age: Circa 1930s.
Info: This squash blossom necklace is made from silver ingots (melted silver which is then shaped into the desired form). It has one turquoise cabochon on the naja. It features hand-soldered beads and it's definitely Navajo in style. Tested as coin or sterling silver. This wonderful old, vintage necklace fits approx. 25" around the neck. It weighs a substantial 211.8g.

Check out our monthly auctions at TotallyWestern.com 

PAWN: What is "Pawn" or "Dead Pawn?"  Technically, it just means an item which has been "pawned" and let go (not paid for) by the owner. The Trading Post or Pawn Shop then resells the item to get their money back. A lot of people associate dead pawn with vintage or antique Native American Indian jewelry. This is not always the case. Not all old Indian Jewelry has been "pawned" and "lost," and not all Indian Jewelry that has been “pawned” and “lost” is necessarily old. 

"Old Pawn" on the other hand, traditionally referred to the personal jewelry certain Natives used to leave on "Pawn" with the trading post "back in the day." This was their personal jewelry and therefore thought of as being of higher quality. On some occasions, the person lost this jewelry for non-payment. Then buyers would come in looking for some of that "old pawn" jewelry (because they thought it was made better than the stuff made for the tourists). However, the words "old pawn" are often now interchange with "dead pawn" or just "pawn." The word "pawn" does not describe the age of a piece. 

At Western Trading Post, when we use the terms “pawn” or “dead pawn,” it simply means the item has come out of pawn at some point. If we say "old pawn," it means an older item which has come out of pawn at some point. We try to describe the approx. age of a piece using words like contemporary (1980s to now) or “vintage” (1970s and 60s) or “old” (1950s or earlier and “antique” (approaching 100 years old, circa 1920s or earlier). 

Western Trading Post is family owned and operated. Located in Arizona just north of the Tohono O’odham (Papago Indians), just south of the Akimel O’odham (Pima Indians), just east of the Ak-Chin O’odham (branch of Pima Indians) and only a short driving distance from the Apache (N’dee), Navajo (Dine′), Zuni, Hopi, Yavapai, Mojave, and Hualapai Indians. We specialize in Native American Indian and Cowboy items. Items listed here may also be available in our store, therefore we reserve the right to end an auction at any time. We also hold a monthly auction at our store which is both live and online. Check out totallywestern.com for details.

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