Preliminary identification

Navajo Sterling Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic, substantial Southwestern squash blossom necklace featuring vibrant, matrix-rich turquoise cabochons set in hand-stamped sterling silver bezels. The necklace is anchored by a traditional sandcast-style naja pendant with leaf-and-tendril silverwork, flanked by ten stylized squash blossom beads on a double strand of hand-soldered silver bench beads.

Story

Rooted in the late 19th century, Navajo silversmiths adapted the crescent 'naja' from Spanish horse bridles and Moorish amulets. This specific design flourished in the 1970s during a massive national boom in Southwestern Native art.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece represents the highly skilled, communal tradition of Diné (Navajo) silversmiths. These artisans combined Spanish design influences with their own spiritual connection to turquoise, which represents sky, water, and protection, passing these complex metalworking techniques down through generations.

Condition & Value

The necklace appears to be in excellent vintage condition with a beautiful, natural dark patina in the silver crevices that highlights the stampwork. The turquoise cabochons seem secure in their bezels without visible cracks, though a close physical inspection is needed to check for stabilization or minor chips.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.