We have similar Turquoise and Native American items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Turquoise" or "Native" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Main Stone: Turquoise
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Length: 16.63 mm
Width: 14.92 mm
Color: opaque bright blue hue with mottled lighter blue hues and a black and tan matrix, as well sa thin grey spiderwebbing
Accent Stone: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color: --
Stone Treatment: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts: Carved and polished cabochon
Item Measurements:
Wearable length: 15.5"
Chain width: 0.96 mm
Pendant measurements: 1.14" length, 0.90" width
Notable Features:
handmade in the 1940s by a talented Navajo silversmith
composed of .900 sterling silver, also known as coin silver
beautiful turquoise cabochon stone adorns a round pendant
the stone rests in a bezel setting framed by a rope twist motif
hand-hammered stamped triangular motifs accent the design
When worn, the necklace sits just under the collarbone against the décolletage on most people
Damage: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish on the sterling silver gives the necklace an antique quality we believe is rather lovely. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
This beautiful piece was made by a very talented Native American silversmith. It features handcrafted silversmith work throughout. Antique Native American jewelry is very rare to find. This is due to these pieces being made for reservation and personal use before the tourist trade became popular. Very few pieces were made and even less survived to today.
The Navajo Nation sits on 27,000 square miles within the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo have a rich history and culture and have become known for creating some of the finest sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, incorporating their own traditional motifs with silversmithing. The squash blossom necklace is perhaps one the most famous Navajo styles produced, along with turquoise inlay rings. Turquoise is an important stone in Navajo culture; symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and good health.
Turquoise is found all over the world and has been a popular semi-precious stone used in jewelry and art for thousands of years by many different cultures; from prehistoric times to the present. Turquoise comes in many beautiful color variations; from the popular bright solid sky-blue hues to dark blue hues with dark spiderwebbing throughout, as well as aqua, teal, and many green varieties, and even some rare white with dark spiderwebbing.
Navajo silversmiths, working from 1870 to 1900, learned about stamping from Mexican leather workers, and adopted this to their metal working. Artisans made their own stamps that were passed down to each generation. Stampings are usually hand hammered using handcrafted or die stamps and include traditional Native American symbols, such as sunbursts, to ornate landscapes. This technique has been passed on and utilized by other Native American tribes and continues to be a popular method of jewelry making.
Domestic US: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items: Base shipping + $2.00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for Base shipping
BIN Items: Base shipping
Base Shipping:
USPS First Class: $4.90 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS Priority Mail: $12.00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
International: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for Base shipping. We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form. Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
