NAVAJO STERLING SILVER AND TURQUOISE SQUASH BLOSSOM NECKLACE BY THOMAS FRANCISCO

Description

This gorgeous sterling silver squash blossom necklace was created by Navajo artist Thomas Francisco.  The squash blossoms and the naja are set with Sonoran Gold Turquoise stones.  The necklace is strung with sterling silver 6 mm beads.  The necklace is finished off with a sterling silver hook and eye, and the necklace has a satin finish.  Comes with matching earrings.  A timeless beauty that you will enjoy for years to come.  The necklace weighs 146 grams and the earrings weigh 8 grams.  Signed.

NECKLACE-

2  1/4” wide x 2  1/8” long- Naja

9/16” wide x 1  5/8” long- Squash Blossoms

27  1/8” long

EARRINGS-

1/2” wide x  7/8” long

1  5/16″ long (including ear wire)

Artist card included

The Navajos began working with silver in the 19th century, and began making things like buckles, bridles, buttons, rings, canteens, hollow beads, earrings, crescent-shaped pendants (called “najas”), bracelets, crosses, powder chargers, tobacco canteens, and conchos (for belts).  Their silversmithing skills has evolved and changed throughout the years, and in about 1880 Navajo silversmiths started to set turquoise in their silver work.  Traditionally, Navajo artists worked with jewelry techniques like repousee and stamp work, but today they explored in other Native American jewelry making techniques like Zuni inlay work and Hopi overlay work.

Additional information