Special Value Offer: Turquoise Jaclas and Silver Beads Necklace [SOLD]

Special Value Offer: We have been authorized to offer this necklace at 30% less than the previous price of $650.

Jaclas, which means ear strings, were originally made to be worn as earrings. Later, they became an addition to what is considered to be the most traditional form of pueblo necklace—a turquoise nugget necklace. These were made and worn long before the art of working in silver was taught to the Natives. Each cylinder of turquoise was cut from a larger piece, in square form, drilled through the center, strung on string, and then sanded to circular shape. By doing this, each bead would be the same diameter or graduated diameter per the wishes of the artisan.

This pair of jaclas is comprised of the most beautiful shades of turquoise, with copper matrix. The cylindrical coral beads are at the top of the jaclas and the spondylus shells in corn kernel shape are pendant at the bottom of the jaclas.

The jaclas were extended in length by the addition of silver beads so they could be worn as a necklace or choker.  Normally, the jaclas were tied together at the top and draped over a necklace as a pendant to the necklace.  In this case, they were made into a Navajo Nation necklace.

Condition: excellent original condition

Recommended Reading: Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by Sarah Peabody & William A. Turnbaugh.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery

Provenance: from the estate of Frances Balcomb passed down through the family