Vintage Native American Jewelry

Antique Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo Floral Squash Blossom Pendant

Antique Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo Floral Squash Blossom Pendant
Antique Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo Floral Squash Blossom Pendant
Antique Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo Floral Squash Blossom Pendant

Antique Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo Floral Squash Blossom Pendant
We have similar Native and Navajo items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Listing Description by: Dylan L. Age Circa: Antique Native American C. Markings: Marked "JB" on the back of the pendant, Tested, and Guaranteed. Country of Origin: United States, Navajo Nation.

Brand: We believe the "JB" marking is the John Begay makers mark - however, we cannot know for sure. Gram Weight: 2.8 Grams. Main Stone Measurements/Color: Measures 12.7 mm long by 10.5 mm wide, Opaque light and dark blue hues with black striations.

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: Inlaid Fancy Heart Cabochon Cut.

Item Measurements: The pendant measures 1.10" long by up to 0.65" wide. This lovely pendant charm is a squash blossom pendant, and was made in a floral motif. There is a heart-shaped cabochon cut turquoise stone in the center of the squash blossom motif. There is applied granulation in the center of the floral motif as well as on the top of the pendant, on either side of the bale. The sterling silver is slightly tarnished, specifically in the low relief portions, which adds to the character of this item.

The bale is rather small, and may need a larger one or a jump ring added in order to be worn properly. The price of this item has been reduced to reflect this.

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 wasnt repaid, the item became known as either Old Pawn or Dead Pawn. The squash blossom design refers to the likeness of a bead or stone to the flower from a blossoming squash plant, which was a significant food source for the native Navajo. The design originated from Spanish contact with the Navajo many years ago. The original likeness of the design can be attributed to the pomegranate blossom of the eastern world, and was adapted by the Navajo for their own use. In many contemporary designs, the concept is still used, however, sometimes the design is highly conceptualized, and it is not obviously recognizable.

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. The item "Antique Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo Floral Squash Blossom Pendant" is in sale since Saturday, June 29, 2019. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Ethnic, Regional & Tribal\Native American\Necklaces & Pendants".

The seller is "abeautifultimeco" and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Country of Origin: United States, Navajo Nation
  • Modified Item: No
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Featured Refinements: Squash Blossom Necklace
  • Type: Beads
  • Metal Purity: .925
  • Artisan: John Begay
  • Main Stone: Turquoise
  • Metal: Sterling Silver
  • Brand: John Begay
  • Jewelry Type: Pendants
  • Tribal Affiliation: Navajo


Antique Vintage Sterling 925 Silver Native Navajo Floral Squash Blossom Pendant