16" from the top to the bottom. The necklace itself is about 26" long. Then add on the Naja. There are 17 natural turquoise stones. $1800 is the sale price. The original price is $2250.
This is a vintage handcrafted necklace from the 1950's or 60's. During that period the Indigenous artists did not sign their work or make a hallmark. They began doing that during the 1970's. The stones used during that period were natural American turquoise which is now becoming depleted.
The squash blossom necklace is an iconic example of southwestern Indigenous jewelry. There are four elements to the typical necklace. The pendant is called a naja. It originated as a buckle on a horses bridle and the shape is beieved to have spiritual qualities. The hand made beads that make up the necklace are known as 'Navajo pearls'. The blossoms are the flared beads that stick out horizontally. The fourth element are the gorgeous turquoise stones.
