Antique Vintage Native Navajo Pawn Coin Sterling Silver Turquoise Pendant 8.6g
We have similar "Turquoise" and "Navajo" items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Item Description by: Chris T. Markings: unmarked, tested by XRF-Spectrometer, and guaranteed. Main Stone: cripple creek turquoise. Main Stone Measurements/Color: green and blue with matrix.
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.
Bale opening: 2 mm bale opening. This exquisite handmade pendant captures the artistry and resourcefulness of Native American artisans during the early 20th century.
Crafted circa 1920, the piece is made of 900 coin silver, a material commonly derived from melted-down U. Silver coinage to create jewelry. The pendant features a charming butterfly design, symbolizing transformation and grace in Native American culture, and measures approximately 1.25 inches by 1.45 inches. The focal point of the pendant is two vibrant turquoise stones sourced from the renowned Cripple Creek mine. Each stone is set in sawtooth bezels, enhancing the raw beauty and craftsmanship of the piece. The darker stone displays some cracking but remains stable, while the lighter stone has a natural stress fracture that is secure.These unique imperfections are a testament to the natural origins of the turquoise and add character to the piece. The stones are encircled by delicate rope twist patterns, further highlighting the intricate work of the artisan. The pendant's reverse side reveals its handmade nature, with two small file marks that do not affect its wearability.
A 2 mm wide bale hole makes it easy to pair this pendant with a chain or cord of your choice, allowing for versatile styling. This butterfly pendant not only embodies timeless beauty but also carries historical significance as a piece of coin silver jewelry, showcasing the ingenuity of Native craftspeople. This pendant is more than an accessory; it is a piece of history, merging artistry with cultural heritage. Whether worn as a statement piece or added to a collection of vintage Native American jewelry, this pendant is a meaningful treasure. Its enduring charm and craftsmanship ensure it will remain a cherished piece for generations to come.
There are two small areas on the back of the pendant that appear to have some file marks to it, but it does not affect the wear of the pendant. The darker stone has some cracking it but appears to be stable, the lighter colored stone has a natural stress fracture and is secure. This listing is for the item only. 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. The first Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Sani, was taught around 1865 by a Mexican silversmith.
Atsidi Sani, in turn, taught his four sons, who then started teaching other Navajo artisans. In the beginning, Navajo artisans created sterling silver jewelry for themselves and others in the Navajo Nation. The concept of Pawn, Old Pawn, and Dead Pawn Native American Jewelry came to be in the 1800s. When a loan wasn't repaid, the item became known as either "Old Pawn" or Dead Pawn.
Cripple Creek Turquoise is found in Colorado and has a range of colors from deep blue to a rich green with a warm golden-brown matrix. The mine was originally a gold mine; turquoise was pulled out as a byproduct, and on rare occasion, Cripple Creek Turquoise may contain bits of natural gold ore.