Lydia Begay 20-Stone Kingman Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace & Earrings, Navajo Sterling Silver

Navajo squash blossom necklace with matching earrings, set with Kingman turquoise stones and handmade in sterling silver by Lydia Begay.

The piece. Ten squash blossoms, five on each side, each set with an oval turquoise stone in a bezel framed by a twisted rope border, hang between double strands of 4mm Navajo pearl beads. At the center, the naja holds ten more stones: four down each arm, one at the top and one hanging drop in the middle. A matching pair of earrings, each with an oval turquoise stone, rope border and silver dots, completes the set.

The stones. Kingman turquoise from the Kingman mine in Arizona, 20 stones in the necklace, bezel set, in bright sky blue with dark matrix. Natural turquoise varies in color and matrix, so every stone is a little different.

The artist. Lydia Begay is a Navajo silversmith. The naja carries the artist's hallmark, "B", and "Sterling".

Navajo tradition. Navajo (Diné) silversmithing is a living art form more than 150 years old. Navajo smiths learned metalwork from Mexican plateros in the mid-1800s, and by the 1880s they were setting turquoise in hand-worked silver. The squash blossom necklace, with its blossoms and crescent naja, is the most recognized piece of the tradition.

Details

• Artist: Lydia Begay, Navajo
• Hallmark: B, Sterling
• Stone: Kingman turquoise (Kingman mine, Arizona), 20 stones in the necklace, bezel set
• Metal: Sterling silver, 4mm Navajo pearl beads
• Naja size: 2 x 2 inches
• Length: 18 inches
• Weight: 82 grams
• Includes: matching earrings
• Condition: New

Questions buyers ask

Is this authentic Native American jewelry? Yes. It was handmade by Navajo artist Lydia Begay and carries the artist's hallmark.

Are the earrings included? Yes. The matching earrings come with the necklace as a set.

How long is it? The necklace is 18 inches, and the naja measures 2 by 2 inches.

How do I care for it? Put it on last and take it off first. Wipe with a soft dry cloth and keep it away from lotion, perfume, water and ultrasonic cleaners.

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Item# SB-T100