Necklace, Squash Blossom, Turquoise, Exceptional, NACG, Estate, Vintage ‘60, 3824

A stunning statement squash for the true collector!

This extraordinary creation is a vintage sterling silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace, hand-crafted by the Navajo Guild, circa 1960s. The necklace is a substantial double strand of desert pearls, adorned with 14 graduated blossoms each featuring a turquoise cabochon framed by scalloped sterling silver, finished with a traditional flute. The naja is a bold sterling silver tipped with tiny turquoise stones and finished with a matching blossom dangle in the center. It’s simply stunning, a timeless collector. 

• artist bio & marks: 

  The NACG was formed in 1941 under the auspices of the U.S. Government’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Navajo Tribal Authority to help young Navajo silversmiths learn from the masters and thus to maintain the quality of classic Navajo silver work into succeeding generations.

  The Guild's standards were exacting, and their instructors were among the most accomplished Navajo jewelers of the era, including the Guild’s first Director, the brilliant Navajo silversmith and jewelry teacher, Ambrose Roanhorse.

  Individual makers were not allowed to sign Navajo Guild pieces; they could only be marked with the official “Horned Sun” hallmark of the NACG and, often, the word "NAVAJO".

  The silver work of The Navajo Guild is characterized by its extremely high level of overall quality, use of classic Navajo silversmithing techniques and materials, clean, elegant, often modernist lines, restrained use of stamp, chisel, and file work and only the very occasional appearance of set stones. 

  The best of the Navajo Guild’s silver work is some of the finest Navajo jewelry of the 20th century, and it is highly desirable and collectible.

• artist: Navajo Guild
• affiliation: likely Navajo
• materials: sterling silver, turquoise
• measurements: length: 24", naja: 2 1/2" x 2 3/4"
• weight: 267 grams
• closure: hook and eye
• nice vintage condition
• stones are secure in their settings
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina with light oxidation
• light wear from use 
• Provenance: Property from the personal collection of a long-time Alamo Heights, Texas antiques dealer
• style: JN3824