Silver Squash Blossom Necklace with Three Turquoise Naja [SOLD]

This turquoise squash blossom necklace is strung with fifty-eight hand-made silver beads, divided into two strands of twenty-nine.  They are strung on a silver link chain and are very lightweight.  A squash blossom necklace is always stylish but can also be comfortable to wear when it is lightweight.  Fourteen hand-made silver blossoms are equally divided between the strands and each with three petals.  Another thing that makes this necklace different is that each blossom is affixed directly to a bead, rather than in between beads. 

The naja is unique but classic in shape and size.  A crescent shape is outlined with silver and tipped with two pieces of bright, sky-blue turquoise.  The center of the naja crescent is embellished with a twisted strand of silver which adds texture and solidarity to the piece.  A final and spectacular piece of turquoise hangs down in the center of the naja.

What is a Naja? Early Navajo-made jewelry contained elements that were borrowed directly from Spanish colonial and Mexican ornament. One of these items is the naja, a crescent form of Moorish origin. The Spanish conquerors in the Southwest outfitted their horses in elaborate silver ornaments—one of which was the naja that hung directly on the forehead of the horse as a part of the bridle.  Today, it is still seen in both Pueblo and Navajo modern jewelry.

Condition: this squash blossom necklace is in very good condition

Provenance: this Silver Squash Blossom Necklace with Three Turquoise Naja is from an estate in eastern Washington. 

Recommended Reading: Indian Silverwork of the Southwest, Illustrated – Volume One by Harry P. Mera

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo, necklace