At a Glance:

One-of-a-kind Southwestern squash blossom necklace
Antique-finish seamless silver beads
Large-scale statement construction, nearly 400 grams
Number Eight turquoise cabochons
Matched turquoise disc spacers
Heavy-gauge naja pendant
Collector-level studio work hallmarked Chimney Butte

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Vivid sky-blue turquoise cabochons and spacers
• Cast-style naja pendant
• Graduated smooth silver beads & turquoise discs strung on wire
• Hallmarked by the shop
• Hook-and-eye clasp with custom appearance
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications:

• Wear scale: opera length per SCJ size guide — oversized and graduated (rests below the bust on most wearers)
• Largest turquoise: 1 13/16" x 1 5/16" (bezel to bezel)
  
• Naja pendant: 3 1/4" x 2 1/4"
• Blossom length range: 1 3/4" x 2 1/4"
• Graduated turquoise disc range: 8-21 mm
• Graduated bead range: 8-16 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 30"
• Weight: 398.6 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This squash blossom necklace emphasizes mass and proportion over intricate surface decoration. Instead of traditional petal-shaped blossoms, large turquoise cabochons form a steady cadence along the strand, giving the piece a deliberate architectural presence anchored by the substantial naja.

The stones display dense reddish-brown host rock interrupted by bright blue pools — a pattern prized for its movement and depth of color. The material was identified by a Chimney Butte representative as Number Eight turquoise from Nevada. Here, the turquoise appears in rounded formations within the host rock rather than the classic webbed pattern, illustrating natural variation within the historic deposit. That same character is echoed in the matched turquoise disc spacers, reinforcing the necklace's visual continuity.

The tapering dual-tone silver beads and turquoise spacers soften the rhythm of the oversized elements, allowing the necklace to drape naturally despite its statement scale. When worn, it settles low at the bust on most wearers, with the naja hanging independently below the bead line.

The silverwork is intentionally restrained. Smooth bezels, broad forms, and open negative space direct attention to the stones—an approach often seen in later studio interpretations of traditional squash blossom construction.

ATTRIBUTION NOTE:

Chimney Butte is a Southwestern jewelry workshop associated with Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, active since the 1990s. The shop is known for distinctive designs that combine cast sterling silverwork with carefully set stones.

Both Native American and Anglo silversmiths have been linked to the workshop over time, including Nuguematz, Me’dru, Zachanee, brothers McDavis and Michael Otero, and Eric Chase Nelson. Nelson is the name most frequently associated with Chimney Butte pieces. Dealer and gallery biographies commonly describe him as having a Comanche background and studio training in the Southwest, while Southwestern jewelry reference author Bille Hougart identifies him as Anglo. Although Chimney Butte's work has been described in secondary markets as Native and often Navajo, this representation errs on the side of caution given the inconsistencies in the available records.

Because printed documentation of the workshop remains limited, attribution generally rests on the Chimney Butte hallmark and the shop’s recognizable construction style, both of which are well known among collectors of contemporary Southwestern jewelry.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of contemporary Southwestern studio silverwork
• Those drawn to bold turquoise statement necklaces
• Turquoise enthusiasts who appreciate Number Eight material
• Western formal and modern tailored wardrobes
• Those who favor material presence over intricate ornamentation

✨ Collector’s Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.

At a Glance:

Vintage Native American squash blossom & matching cuff
Signed “DH” and attributed to Navajo artisan Douglas Harrison
Large-scale late twentieth-century set
Turquoise cabochons consistent with King's Manassa material
Hand-fabricated and hand-assembled silver elements
Unique example from a finished studio period

Necklace & Bracelet Set Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Green & golden-brown turquoise
• Hallmarked by the silversmith
• Bench-made beads strung on wire
• Heavy-gauge construction
• Circa 1970s
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Condition: Excellent — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications: 

• Wear scale: substantial, matinee length per SCJ size guide — rests below the bust line on most wearers
• Largest turquoise: 11/16" x 1 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Naja pendant: 3" x 3 5/8"
  
• Blossom length range:  1 1/8" x 2 1/2"
• Bead diameter: 8-9 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 28"
  
• Weight: 299.4 grams

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: substantial presence — balances the necklace and completes the ensemble
• Largest turquoise: 1" x 1 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 2 7/8"
• Inside length: 5 3/16"
• Gap: 1"
• Total inside circumference: 6 3/16” (S per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 85.6 grams
  

ABOUT THIS SET:

Experience the enduring presence of this traditional Native American squash blossom necklace and matching cuff, attributed to Navajo silversmith Douglas Harrison, produced during the late twentieth-century statement jewelry period. Built around proportion, weight, and repeating form, the visual rhythm relies on matched elements— rope framing, silverwork, and saturated turquoise—rather than dense ornamentation.

The soft emerald-green and teal hues of the stones are interrupted by patches of golden-brown host rock. The visual character closely resembles Colorado's deposits, especially King’s Manassa, though comparable material is also found in Nevada—both highly prized for their range of color intensity and variation. As with most historic turquoise, the identification is stylistic rather than geological, and precise mine origin cannot be confirmed without sourcing documentation or laboratory analysis.

The bench-made beads form a structural backdrop for the square-cut flared blossoms, and the eight-stone statement naja. The bracelet repeats the palette and scale, confirming the pair was conceived together. The added silver appliqués on the cuff and dual-stone arrangement bring the ensemble into harmony. 

ARTISAN NOTE:

Jewelry bearing the “DH” hallmark is attributed to Navajo artisan Douglas Harrison. Signed works surface primarily through estate and vintage circulation, and are recognized for substantial gauge and generous stone use of the period.

As with many working smiths of the era, formal biography can be limited, and attribution rests on hallmark consistency and comparison across documented examples. Existing pieces, therefore, represent completed studio production rather than an active line, making matched sets notably less common than individual works.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of signed Navajo silverwork
• Those drawn to green-tone turquoise
• Large-scale statement wardrobes
  
• Western formal and heritage dressing
• Building a coordinated vintage ensemble

✨ Collector’s Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.

At a Glance: 

Squash blossom necklace by award-winning artisan Peterson Johnson
Turquoise cabochons consistent with Pilot Mountain material 
Heavy-gauge sterling silver construction
Large-scale contemporary collector example

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Green turquoise in olive tones and light matrix
• Hallmarked by the Navajo artisan
• Bench-made beads strung on traditional foxtail chain
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Condition: Excellent — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

 Necklace Specifications: 

• Wear scale: opera length statement — rests below the bust on most wearers)
• Largest turquoise: 1" x 5/8" (bezel to bezel)
• Naja: 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
  
• Blossom length range: 1 9/16" x 1 7/8"
• Beads: 8-9 mm 
• Total length: 30" (includes clasp)
• Weight: 179.7 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Vintage Native American squash blossom necklace
Classic Zuni turquoise cluster
Hand-fabricated silverwork
Unsigned post-Harvey Era production
Strong mid-20th-century collector example

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Turquoise in petit point, needlepoint, and snake-eyes (round cuts)
• Bench-made beads strung on traditional foxtail chain
  
• Period wire hook-and-eye closure
  
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications: 

• Wear scale: moderate matinee presence per SCJ size guide, rendered in a refined mid-century scale
• Naja pendant: 2" x 2"
  
• Blossom length: approx. 1"
• Bead diameter: 7-8 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 25 7/8" 
• Weight: 81.1 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This elaborate Native American squash blossom necklace presents the refined look collectors expect from mid-century classics. The four-petaled blossoms, restrained proportions, and balanced placement of stone and silver support this period attribution. Masterfully cut into clusters of petit point, needlepoint (slightly fuller profile), and round elements, the blue turquoise cabochons— with minimal matrix and subtle shade variation—create a dimensional, mosaic-like composition.

The stone-cutting precision and cluster layout align with the Zuni jewelry-making practice of the 1960s. Matched cuts, even bezels, and the steady rhythm from the naja through each blossom unify the necklace while still highlighting each handmade component. The carefully constructed bench-made strand of beads and wire serves as a traditional backdrop for the stonework.

Each small, tightly fitted part of the ensemble required sustained lapidary and silverwork control, lending the piece a more delicate, labor-intensive character compared with the bolder proportions that became common in the following decade.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of vintage Zuni jewelry
• Admirers of traditional petit point and needlepoint work
• Those seeking squash blossom necklaces with balanced scale
• Southwestern and heritage-focused styling
• Pairing with other mid-century turquoise piece

✨ Collector’s Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.

At a Glance:

Signed Native American squash blossom necklace
Stylistically consistent with Navajo bench work
Seafoam turquoise and coral composition
Bead strand with extender
One-of-a-kind vintage example

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Seafoam turquoise cabochons
• Red-orange coral accents
• Hallmarked by the silversmith
  
• Heavy-gauge construction
• Bench-made beads strung on double-wire
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications: 

• Wear scale: Substantial, matinee length per SCJ size guide, adjusted to opera length with the extender
• Largest turquoise: 5/8" x 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Naja: 2 1/2" x 2 7/8"
• Blossom length range: 1" - 1 1/8"
• Bead diameter: 8-9 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 20 3/8" (not including the 5 1/4" chain extender)
  
• Weight: 199.9 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

The composition of this squash blossom necklace is built around contrast and proportion, with the naja as the focal point, carrying alternating turquoise and coral cabochons. The seafoam turquoise character—light to medium blue with subtle tonal variation—and the red coral accents are individually rope-framed and sit slightly proud of the silverwork, secure within their sawtooth bezels and giving the stones a strong architectural presence. The graduated blossoms repeat this pairing in measured intervals, creating a steady rhythm across the necklace and into the terminals.

Turquoise and coral form a color relationship long favored in Navajo jewelry, and the careful distribution of these hues, textures, and silver appliqués throughout the piece produces visual movement and harmony without crowding.

Construction details —including the blossom layout, bench-made beads, bezel work, and overall structure — align with traditional late-20th-century Navajo work. Although the necklace carries a maker’s mark that has not yet been definitively attributed to a specific artisan or tribe, it reflects the enduring design language of Navajo silversmithing.

Substantial in scale and visually commanding, this statement piece was clearly crafted to be noticed.

ARTISAN NOTE:

The necklace bears a stamped maker’s mark consisting of a single stylized initial, which may read as "D," "J," or a combined form depending on orientation and strike. The hallmark indicates signed studio production rather than anonymous manufacture.

This specific mark does not currently correspond to documented entries in major published hallmark references or standard trade sources. Abbreviated or single-initial signatures of this type are not uncommon among Native American silversmiths working outside formal registry systems. Attribution, therefore, rests on hallmark presence and stylistic comparison rather than a confirmed artist identity.

Signed works of this scale and stone content generally represent individual studio output rather than contemporary mass production.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of signed Native American jewelry
• Admirers of turquoise and coral combinations
• Statement Southwestern dressing
• Layering with other necklaces or smaller bead strands

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Vintage Native American choker-length Navajo pearls
Signed “PC” — Presley and Della Curley
Uniform oversized sterling silver bead construction with stampwork
Commanding collar length presence
One-of-a-kind collector piece

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Handmade 1" Navajo pearls strung on traditional foxtail chain
• Traditional hand-stamped impressions around the mid-section of each bead
• Substantial handmade hook clasp
• Signed by the silversmiths
  
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications:

• Wear scale: bold choker-length per SCJ size guide - rests close to the base of the neck
• Bead diameter: 25-26 mm (approx. 1")
• Total length (including clasps): 16 7/8" (the model shown has a 12 1/2" neck – average neck sizes may benefit from a 3-4" extender for a relaxed drape)
  
• Weight: 153.5 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This strand of Native American-made beads presents a dramatic row of unusually large silver beads defined less by ornament than by proportion — a measured sequence of substantial, hand-formed elements assembled into a collar-length arrangement. Each bead was individually shaped, joined, and stamped in an understated fashion before being strung together, allowing the visual rhythm to arise from form and spacing rather than dense decoration.

The hallmark stamped on the terminal bead identifies the work of Della and Presley Curley, whose jewelry is recognized across documented examples for consistent construction and finishing. Even in late-twentieth-century work, producing matched beads of this scale required careful forming, soldering, and individual stamping — a demanding process that highlights the Curleys’ superior artistry. These Navajo pearls are a testament to the harmonious, coordinated bench practice typical of their partnership, where each artisan's vision reads as a continuous form.

Silver bead necklaces developed from early Diné silversmithing in the late nineteenth century, following the adoption of metalworking fabrication learned over the years through contact with Spanish and Mexican smiths. By the early twentieth century, hollow beads had become a distinctive element of Navajo adornment, valued both for their aesthetics and as portable wealth. These pearls demonstrate adherence to methods passed down through generations and the inherent quality of traditional Navajo silverwork.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Della and Presley Curley are a Navajo husband-and-wife silversmith team active from the 1970s through the 1990s, signing their jewelry with a shared “PC” hallmark. Their recorded working period follows the waning of the traditional trading-post system, when many Diné artisans carried on time-honored silversmithing methods within independent family workshops, where knowledge passed bench to bench rather than through formal studios.

As with many makers of this generation, their history is preserved primarily in their creations rather than in print. Attribution rests in the metal — the hallmark, steady hand fabrication, and crisp embellishments — all elements associated with the growing preference for artisan recognition and robust, well-crafted Navajo silverwork in the late twentieth century.

The shared mark reflects a household bench practice common in Navajo jewelry making, where collaboration often mattered just as much as individual authorship. With limited written record, understanding their work has developed through comparison of authenticated examples and the recurring characteristics recognized by collectors over time. Although later activity has not been formally documented, their work is placed within the Navajo silver revival and the decades that followed, when reclaiming historic forms in jewelry evolved from renewed interest into established tradition — a quiet lineage living not in catalogs, but with those who recognize the heritage reflected in each piece.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of authentic Native American jewelry
• Admirers of Navajo pearls
• Those seeking strong statement pieces without stones
• Striking as a choker for special occasions
• Everyday wear when paired with an extender for a more relaxed drape
• Anyone who enjoys chokers and layered styling

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance: 

Signed Zuni squash blossom necklace by Effie Calavaza
Sterling silver coral design with flat-head snake naja
Traditional Zuni snake motif with inlaid detailing
Vintage collector-level necklace

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Red-orange corals polished to a shine
• Signed by the silversmith
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Bench-made beads strung on chain
• Condition: Excellent — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specification: 

• Wear scale: matinee length per SCJ size guide — naja pendant rests above the bust 
• Corals: 1/4" x 1/4" (bezel to bezel)
• Naja pendant: 2 3/8" x 2 5/16"
• Blossom length: approx. 1 1/8"
• Bead diameter: 6-7 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 23"
• Weight: 96.6 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE: 

This striking Native American coral squash blossom necklace reflects the unmistakable artistry of celebrated Zuni silversmith Effie Calavaza. Known for her signature flat-head snake motif—often wrapping around turquoise or coral stones with tiny inlaid eyes—Calavaza developed one of the most recognizable design languages in Zuni jewelry.

In Zuni tradition, the snake carries important symbolic associations with renewal, protection, and the cycle of life. Here, the motif winds across vivid red-orange coral cabochons, creating a composition that is both visually dynamic and culturally rooted.

Handcrafted in sterling silver, this classic squash blossom design captures the bold aesthetic and enduring craftsmanship that have made Effie Calavaza’s work highly sought after by collectors.

ARTISAN NOTE: 

Effie Calavaza (1928-2019) is among the most recognizable names in Zuni jewelry. She began silversmithing in the mid-1950s after learning the craft from her husband, Juan Calavaza, and was active until the mid-1970s. Working primarily in sand-cast sterling silver, she became known for nugget design and for incorporating large turquoise and coral stones encircled by her now-iconic snake motif—a visual signature closely associated with her work.

Calavaza received recognition for her artistry at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico, and her jewelry has been represented by respected Southwestern dealers, including Richardson Trading Company of Gallup, NM. Her pieces are typically stamped with the mark "EFFIE C. ZUNI," a hallmark also used within the Calavaza family workshop.

A widely collected artist, Effie Calavaza’s work helped define a distinctive style within Zuni silversmithing. Her legacy continues through her daughters—Georgiana Yatsattie, Gloria Jean Garcia, and Susie Calavaza—who also became jewelers and carried forward the family’s celebrated design tradition.

PERFECT FOR:

• Zuni silverwork enthusiasts
• Collectors of Effie Calavaza pieces
• Those drawn to snake-themed jewelry
• Compact squash blossoms with visual impact
• Building a coordinated vintage ensemble

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

At a Glance:

Native American coin necklace consistent with Navajo work
Handmade beads formed from paired Mercury dimes
Domed Peace silver dollar coin accents (1922–1925)
Yei Naja with turquoise cabochons
Heavy-gauge coin silver
A strong collector’s example of Navajo coin-silver jewelry

Necklace Features:

• U.S. silver coin construction (Mercury dimes & Peace dollars)
  
• Domed Peace silver dollar coins (1922–1925)
• Lentil-profile coin beads assembled on chain
• Turquoise cabochons in blue-green tones
• Sand-cast naja with Yei motif
• Traditional hook-and-eye closure
  
• Condition: Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications:

• Wear scale: bold matinee length per SCJ size guide — falls at the bust line
• Naja pendant: 2 1/2" x 2 1/16"
  
• Coin blossom diameter: approx. 1 1/2"
• Bead diameter: approx. 16 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 24 3/4"
• Weight: 436.9 grams 

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This Native American necklace reflects the coin-silver tradition long associated with Navajo silversmithing during the mid-twentieth century. Acquired as Old Pawn, the piece no longer retained a legible pawn tag at the time of purchase. Its likely production date falls within the circa 1950s–1970s range, based on its construction, weight, and overall design character. The strand is composed of uniform handmade beads formed from paired domed Mercury dimes, joined into hollow silver elements that preserve visible traces of the original coin designs.

Suspended along the strand are domed Peace silver dollar coins dating from the early 1920s. Their scale introduces visual contrast to the uniform bead strand and recalls a coin-jewelry tradition in which historic American silver was reworked into striking wearable compositions.

At the center hangs a cast-style Yei Naja set with small turquoise cabochons. The design references the Yei-bi-chai healing ceremony, in which dancers embody sacred Yei spirits who restore balance and harmony. Motifs associated with the Yei appear in Navajo jewelry as expressions of protection and ceremonial tradition.

With its impressive weight, historic coin materials, and symbolic centerpiece, this necklace stands as a strong collector’s example of Navajo coin jewelry—sculptural in presence and grounded in Southwestern silversmithing traditions.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of vintage Navajo coin jewelry
• Those seeking bold historic silver statement pieces
• Southwestern heritage collections
• Layering with turquoise necklaces and additional silver strands

✨ Collector’s Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.

At a Glance:

Late-20th-century Southwestern Eagle Dancer kachina bolo tie
Produced under the Broken Arrow Traders brand
Hallmark associated with Kay Johnson
Additional attribution to Navajo silversmith Pete Morgan
Set with seven turquoise cabochons consistent with Blue Gem material
Accented with five red-orange coral stones
Large-scale figural sterling silver collector piece

Bolo Tie Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Seven vivid blue turquoise cabochons
• Five red-orange coral accents
• Layered hand-fabricated silver construction
• Figural Eagle Dancer kachina motif
• Thick braided leather cord
• Heavy-gauge sterling tips & ferrules
  
• Double-ring slide back
• Hallmarked 
• Condition: Very Fine - see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bolo Tie Specifications: 

• Wear scale: bold statement piece
• Largest turquoise: 1" x 5/8" (bezel to bezel)
• Slide: 6 3/4" x 5"
• Total length: 38 1/2" (includes tips)
• Cord condition: very good (light wear from slide movement)
• Tips & ferrules condition: very good with moderate patina
• Weight: 180.9 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE: 

This monumental Eagle Dancer kachina bolo tie is a dramatic late-20th-century Southwestern statement piece produced under the Broken Arrow Traders brand, which is closely associated with Anglo silversmith Kay Johnson. Its oversized figural form, layered silver construction, and commanding scale place it firmly within the bold studio-made aesthetic prized by collectors of wearable Southwest art.

The slide centers on a striking Eagle Dancer figure with outstretched wings, richly accented by seven bright blue turquoise cabochons and five coral settings. Together, the stones create dynamic contrast against the dark sterling surface, while the figure's dimensional, overlapping silverwork gives it an unusual presence and movement. A heavy braided leather cord with substantial sterling tips and ferrules completes the piece with a confident, balanced drape.

Because this piece carries additional attribution to Navajo silversmith Pete Morgan, it is best presented as Navajo-attributed work produced by Broken Arrow, rather than as a straightforward single-maker piece. The layered attribution reflects the strongest information presently available while honoring the complexity often found in Southwestern workshop production.

Collector-wise, this is the kind of bolo that reads more like sculptural jewelry than conventional neckwear. It has the visual impact, scale, and workmanship to stand comfortably in an advanced Southwestern jewelry collection.

ATTRIBUTION NOTE: 

The hallmark on this piece aligns with the Broken Arrow Traders brand, which is regularly associated with Kay Johnson, identified in hallmark references as an Anglo silversmith. Secondary-market listings under the Broken Arrow name repeatedly describe Johnson as the maker behind that brand identity, supporting this attribution. 

A comparative evaluation further supports an association between the stylized "M" mark on this piece and Pete Morgan. Documented business records clarifying the exact relationship between Broken Arrow Traders, Johnson, and Morgan were not readily available.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of signed Southwestern & Native American jewelry
• Anyone seeking extra-large bolo ties
• Southwestern style lovers
• Admirers of kachina-inspired designs
  
• Those who appreciate conversation pieces

✨Collector’s Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.

At a Glance:

Vintage Native American graduated Navajo pearls
Sterling silver saucer beads with classic chased petal decoration
Fluted terminal beads with fitted spacer below the cones
Period-appropriate unsigned example
Satin silver finish with moderate patina

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Graduated hollow beads strung on vinyl-coated wire core
  
• Hand-chased decoration 
  
• Traditional hook-and-eye clasp
  
• Unsigned
  
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications:

• Wear scale: opera-length per SCJ size guide — falls at or below the bust on most wearers
• Center bead diameter: 25 mm (approx. 1")
• Graduated bead range: 10-25 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 30 1/2"
  
• Weight: 161.8 grams — substantial for a strand of this length

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This Native American Navajo pearl necklace follows the long, graduated strand format that became especially favored in the late twentieth century, when silversmiths emphasized balanced proportions and substantial silver weight. The strand builds visually into a single oversized center bead, then tapers evenly toward the terminals so the necklace reads as one continuous line rather than a sequence of parts.

Each piece was formed from sterling sheet, soldered into a hollow structure, and finished into a flattened lentil profile with seams that nearly disappear into the curvature. Decoration appears as petal-like chased motifs that travel from the seam toward the drill hole, following the contour of the bead. The pattern adds gentle movement while preserving the visual continuity of the strand.

Silver bead necklaces became part of Navajo metalwork in the late nineteenth century as silversmithing techniques spread throughout the Southwest. By the early twentieth century, hollow sterling spheres were commonly worn both as adornment and as portable silver wealth.

Today, substantial strands like this remain a clear expression of Navajo silverwork—durable, elegant, and timeless in both construction and wear.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of vintage Navajo Pearls
• Admirers of visually strong bead necklaces
• Those seeking artisan jewelry without stones
• Southwestern statement styling 
• Layering with turquoise necklaces and additional strands

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase. 

Renowned Native American artisan Fred Guerro hand-selected a striking Pilot Mountain turquoise, featuring rich aqua blues veined with a warm tan-copper matrix, to create this bold statement bracelet. The finely perforated, hand-stamped shank reflects a masterful fusion of traditional Navajo silversmithing and contemporary design, making it an exceptional piece for any Native American jewelry collector or turquoise enthusiast. 

Bracelet Features:

• .925 sterling silver 
• High-grade Pilot Mountain turquoise
• Signed by Navajo artisan Fred Guerro
• Heavy-gauge
• "Very Fine" SCJ's Vintage Condition Guide 

Bracelet Dimensions:

• The Pilot Mountain turquoise measures approximately 1 3/4" by 1" from bezel to bezel
• The face of the cuff measures about 2”
• On the inside, the bracelet measures 5 7/8” from end to end, with a 1 3/8” gap
• The total circumference of this bracelet is 7 1/4”
• 139.2 grams!
  

At a Glance:

Vintage Native American graduated Navajo pearls
Signed “LY” and attributed to Leo Yazzie
Hand-fabricated sterling silver bead strung on chain
Soft satin silver finish
One-of-a-kind collector example

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Smooth, graduated beads strung on sterling chain
  
• Period hook-and-eye clasp
• Signed by the silversmith on the silver tag at the closure
  
• Condition: Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications:

• Wear scale: classic matinee length strand per SCJ size guide — sits between collarbone and bust on most wearers
• Center bead diameter: 25 mm (approx. 1")
• Graduated bead range: 11-25 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 22 3/8"
  
• Weight: 100.1 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This graduated Navajo pearl necklace reflects classic bench-made Diné silverwork, where contour rather than ornament carries the design. Each hollow saucer element was formed from sheet sterling silver, soldered, and polished to a smooth, near-seamless surface. The 25 mm center bead anchors the piece, settling naturally along the neckline as the strand tapers toward the hand-fabricated closure.

Silver bead necklaces entered Navajo metalwork in the late nineteenth century, following the introduction of Spanish and Mexican silversmithing techniques. By the early twentieth century, hollow silver beads were widely worn as adornment and portable stores of silver. While many historic examples bear stamped decoration, unadorned vintage strands represent an equally enduring interpretation of the form.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Leo Yazzie is a Navajo silversmith from the Black Mesa region of Arizona who later worked in Flagstaff. His path into jewelry began at Northern Arizona University, where a metalsmithing elective redirected his studies toward silversmithing. By the early 1980s, he was producing jewelry full-time, a career that continued for more than three decades before he retired.

The structure of his work reflects influences rooted in home and family. Yazzie has cited the storm-pattern geometry found in his mother’s and grandmother’s Navajo weaving, along with Navajo spiritual teachings, as formative sources. Rather than relying on heavy surface ornament, his designs favor measured spacing and deliberate stone placement, where the pattern is created by the stones themselves. When used, decorative elements such as stamping are applied with restraint and precision, supporting the form rather than dominating it.

He worked primarily in sterling silver, sometimes incorporating gold, and preferred fine turquoise alongside coral, sugilite, lapis, and opal. Precisely fitted inlay and controlled settings became consistent features of his mature pieces, emphasizing balance between material and form.

During his active years, his jewelry was widely shown through regional and national galleries, earned juried recognition, and developed a strong collector following. With his retirement, signed examples now represent completed studio work from his late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century production period.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of authentic Native American jewelry
• Admirers of traditional, graduated Navajo pearls 
• Those seeking artisan jewelry without stones
• Southwestern and understated styling
• Layering with turquoise necklaces and other pearls

✨ Collectors Circle members receive a welcome offer on their first purchase.