Vintage Authentic Native American Jewelry & Accessories

At a Glance:

Substantial Native American turquoise & coral squash blossom necklace
Stylistically consistent with Navajo bench work
Turquoise consistent with Kingman material
Bead strand with extender
Signed collector example with strong visual contrast and presence

Necklace Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Turquoise nuggets in saturated shades of blue
• Red-orange coral accents
• Heavy-gauge sterling construction
• Bench-made beads strung on double-wire
• Hallmarked by the silversmith - artisan under active research
  
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications: 

• Wear scale: Statement 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" (approx. 25 5/8" with the 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 nuggets and corals. The vivid blue nuggets and red coral accents are individually rope-framed and sit slightly proud of the silverwork, secure within their sawtooth bezels, 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 piece was designed to command attention.

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 designs
• Statement Southwestern dressing
• Layering with other necklaces or smaller bead strands

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

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

At a Glance

Design: Native American signed wide turquoise cuff bracelet with heavy-gauge sterling construction, openwork sides, and crisp, measured silverwork
Stone: Large turquoise cabochon consistent with Pilot Mountain material
Color: Vivid blue-green turquoise with copper-brown matrix and strong natural variation
Accent: Hand-notched bezel, stampwork, chased linear cuts, small perforations, and triangular cut-out accents
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed Fred Guerro | Navajo silversmith Fred Guerro Senior
Era: Circa 1980s
Status: Signed heavy Navajo turquoise cuff bracelet
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: large statement cuff with substantial wrist presence
• Turquoise: 1 3/4" x 1" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: approx. 2"
• Inside length: 5 7/8"
• Gap: 1 3/8"
• Total inside circumference: 7 1/4" (L per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 139.2 grams

Gallery Note:

This Fred Guerro cuff has the bold, disciplined presence collectors look for in late-20th-century Navajo silverwork. The large oval turquoise cabochon anchors the design with vivid blue-green color and broad copper-brown matrix, creating strong natural contrast without excess ornament.

The silverwork is measured and graphic. A hand-notched bezel frames the stone, while crisp stampwork, chased linear cuts, small perforations, and triangular openwork give the wide cuff movement, depth, and visual relief. Polished silver planes keep the composition clean, allowing the stone and construction to carry the piece.

From the side, the bracelet reveals its architecture: a high-profile stone setting, thick tapering shank, smooth interior, and substantial gauge. At 139.2 grams, it has the weight and presence of a serious statement cuff, while the openwork keeps the design from feeling visually heavy.

Built with strong turquoise character, confident bench work, and collector-scale weight, this cuff is a powerful example for those drawn to substantial Navajo bracelets with clarity, structure, and presence.

Hallmark & Maker Notes:

This bracelet is signed FRED GUERRO and carries a STERLING stamp. Reference and market examples associate this full Fred Guerro signature with Fred Guerro Sr., Navajo silversmith, distinguishing it from Fred Guerro Jr. examples that are commonly marked with a junior designation or FG Jr.

Fred Guerro Sr. was born on November 14, 1934, and lived a long life shaped by family, faith, work, and craft. Although he is widely identified as a Diné/Navajo, biographical references describe him as Chishi, Apache Clan, born for Áshiihí, Salt People Clan, reflecting Navajo clan identification rather than a separate primary tribal attribution. He spent much of his life in Alamo, with periods in To’hajiilee and Socorro, and passed away in Albuquerque on November 21, 2020.He spent most of his life in Alamo, with periods in To’hajiilee and Socorro. He passed away peacefully in Albuquerque on November 21, 2020, leaving behind a large family, a strong local memory, and a body of jewelry that continues to circulate among collectors.

By all accounts, Fred was the kind of man people remembered vividly. He was known for his humor, storytelling, teasing nature, and generosity. He opened his home to people who needed a place to stay, a place to recover, or simply a little steady ground. He was also deeply committed to his Christian faith, known for quoting scripture and encouraging others to know it well. That mix of warmth, conviction, and wit seems to have stayed with those who knew him best.

He was not only a silversmith; he also worked with his hands in other demanding trades, building houses, often in adobe, and taking on fence-building jobs that carried him across New Mexico. Family members remembered traveling with him for work and hunting, listening to his stories along the way. That kind of life matters when looking at his jewelry. His pieces do not feel detached from the world of labor, land, and daily use. They tend to have presence, weight, and a practical confidence that sits well within late-20th-century Navajo jewelry.

Reference sources and collector literature associate Fred Guerro’s work with stamp and file work, shadowbox construction, and set-stone jewelry. Reported hallmarks include F G, Fred G, and the previously mentioned "Fred Guerro" appearing in either stamped or inscribed form. Online examples of his signed jewelry also suggest a preference for substantial silver, bold stone presentation, and collector-scale forms, especially cuffs and other statement pieces. What makes his work appealing is that it does not need exaggerated language. The better pieces speak clearly on their own: strong silver, decisive stones, and a direct design sense that feels rooted rather than ornamental. 

At a Glance:

Signed M BAHE sterling silver butterfly cuff attributed to Marie Bahe
Wide mosaic-inlaid butterfly centerpiece with matching side panels
Vivid color contrast framed by silver beadwork
Notable collector example of inlay work attributed to Marie Bahe

Bracelet Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Inlay work with turquoise, mother-of-pearl, coral, black and ivory-tone materials
• Butterfly motif and side panels framed by beaded wire appliqué
• Strong triple-split shank construction with clean interior finish
• Hallmarked by the silversmith
  
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: medium statement cuff
• Centerpiece inlay: 1 1/2" x 2"
• Face width: 1 5/8"
• Inside length: 5 1/16"
• Gap: 1 1/4"
• Total inside circumference: 6 5/16" (S per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 52.3 grams
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This sterling silver cuff centers on a colorful butterfly inlaid mosaic set on a wide triple-split shank, an engaging piece that brings together a motif long appreciated in Native American culture with a Navajo interpretation of an inlay technique most closely associated with Zuni work. The matching side panels extend the mosaic design across the wrist, while beaded wire appliqués add texture and definition, complementing the piece's clean geometry. 

The inlay combines turquoise, mother-of-pearl, coral, black stone (likely jet or onyx), and an ivory-tone material with soft orange hues, arranged in curved and angular segments. The layout is consistent with stone-on-stone inlay, a technique that requires precise cutting and fit. Smooth silver surfaces provide a restrained backdrop for the mosaic, allowing the color contrast and symmetry to carry the composition.

The triple-split construction gives the bracelet width while maintaining an open, balanced feel. The combination of careful stonework, measured silverwork, and clear structure contributes to the bracelet’s collector appeal.

Signed pieces attributed to Marie Bahe appear publicly more often in turquoise-set sterling forms than in mosaic inlay. Within that visible market record, this butterfly cuff stands out as a rarer example. Accordingly, the attribution to Marie Bahe rests solely on the maker’s mark and comparison with other pieces sold under her name, rather than on stylistic analysis.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Marie Bahe is identified in available hallmark references as a Navajo maker. Public biographical information appears limited, and no reliable published source has been found that directly connects her to the well-known silversmith Tom Bahe or to another documented Bahe jewelry lineage. However, the Bahe surname appears repeatedly in contexts related to Navajo jewelry, including exhibits, markets, and secondary sales platforms, suggesting that jewelry making is a recurring association among individuals who carry the name.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of signed Native American jewelry
• Admirers of butterfly motifs and figural jewelry
• Anyone with an appreciation for inlay-focused jewelry
• Wearing as a statement Southwestern cuff with denim, black, ivory, or other clean solid tones

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

At a Glance:

Heavy sterling silver Navajo cuff with commanding turquoise centerpiece
Turquoise cabochon consistent with Morenci material
Stamped leaves & twisted wire frame add a strong traditional profile
Collector-oriented cuff built around a high-impact stone

Bracelet Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Saturated blue turquoise with dark brown matrix & pyrite
• Clean, heavy silver construction with bold split shank 
• Smooth bezel framed with twisted wire
• Crisp crescent stamps applied to leaf motifs 
• Unsigned hand-fabrication associated with Navajo silversmithing
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: substantial presence with balanced proportions 
• Turquoise: 2 3/16" x 1 3/8" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 2 5/8"
• Inside length: 5 1/4"
• Gap: 7/8”
• Total inside circumference: 6 1/8” (S per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 105 grams 
  

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This substantial Native American cuff centers on a 98-carat turquoise cabochon associated with the Morenci mine based on its vivid blue color, matrix patterning, and pyrite-bearing character. Under that attribution, the material would have been mined before 1984 from one of the Southwest’s most storied and increasingly scarce turquoise sources. 

The setting is bold without feeling crowded. A twisted wire bezel draws the eye inward, while a smooth outer border keeps the frame clean and in harmony with the cabochon's active patterning. Large leaf appliqués at the shoulders introduce a traditional Southwestern note and give the mount a more sculptural outline without competing with the stone.

Crafted from heavy-gauge silver, the cuff is built with an open split shank for a balanced profile on the wrist. At 105 grams, it has the kind of weight collectors expect from a serious vintage cuff (likely 1970s-1980s), pairing statement scale with controlled proportions.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of American turquoise jewelry
• Anyone who appreciates turquoise with strong patterns and pyrite 
• Curated bracelet groupings anchored by a central statement cuff
• Bench-fabricated Southwestern Native American silverwork 

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

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

At a Glance

Design: Native American signed spiderweb turquoise cuff bracelet with clean three-tine Navajo construction and a stone-forward face
Stone: Spiderweb turquoise cabochon consistent with Indian Mountain
Color: Soft green and faint teal cells moving through dark brown host rock
Accent: Decorative segmented outer border
Metal: .925 sterling silver (unmarked)
Artist: Signed G | Gilbert Damon, Navajo silversmith
Era: Late 20th century (1970-80s)
Status: Signed Navajo spiderweb turquoise cuff bracelet
Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Specifications:

• Wear scale: visually bold cuff with a comfortable open fit and strong centerpiece presence
• Stone: 1 5/8" x 1 5/16" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 1 7/8"
• Inside length: 5 1/4"
• Gap: 1 1/4"
• Total inside circumference: 6 1/2"
• Weight: 60.8 grams

Gallery Note:

This signed Navajo cuff is defined by its turquoise: a richly webbed cabochon with teal-green cells moving through dark brown host rock. A complex and yet well-balanced matrix, with enough open green ground for the stone to read clearly and hold its presence on the wrist.

Damon’s silverwork keeps the setting clean and focused. A sawtooth bezel secures the cabochon and adds fine texture at the edge, while the stepped geometric border gives the face structure without crowding the stone. The three-tine shank is smooth, open, and deliberately understated, letting the turquoise remain the center of the design.

Reference and market examples more commonly associate Damon with chip inlay, making this large bezel-set spiderweb turquoise cuff a less common example of his documented range. For collectors, that contrast adds to its appeal — a signed Damon Gilbert in a stone-forward setting with restrained Navajo construction is a rare find. 

Collector-minded without excess, this cuff earns its presence through the character of the stone and the clarity of the silverwork design.

Hallmark & Maker Notes:

This bracelet is signed with Gilbert Damon's hallmark — a stylized capital G, also associated in reference materials with the initials GD. His angular initial signature is reported to have been introduced around 1975, supporting the late-20th-century placement of this piece.

Damon was born June 20, 1930, in Fort Defiance, Arizona, into the Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), born for Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water Clan). He attended BIA Indian School in Fort Defiance, the Albuquerque Indian School, and Chilocco Indian School in Chilocco, Oklahoma.

He served in the Korean War — one of approximately 10,000 Native Americans who answered that call, many of them veterans of World War II as well, whose service and sacrifice remain an enduring part of this nation's history. He later spent 20 to 25 years employed with the Navajo Forest Products Industry in the Sawmill region in Arizona. He was a silversmith and family man who loved his children. He passed away on April 15, 2016, in Payson, Arizona.

Reference materials and market examples most commonly document Damon's work in chip inlay — crushed turquoise, coral, and related materials set into recessed silver channels, often with etched or oxidized geometric backgrounds. Authentic signed Damon pieces now enter the market through estate and secondary channels.

At a Glance:

Native American coin squash blossom necklace consistent with Navajo work
Beads formed from paired Mercury dimes
Peace silver dollar coin blossoms
Yei naja with turquoise cabochons
Heavy-gauge coin silver construction
A strong collector’s example of Navajo coin jewelry

Necklace Features:

• U.S. silver coin construction (Mercury dimes & Peace dollars)
  
• Slightly domed Peace silver dollar coins (1922–1925)
• Coin beads assembled on chain, likely reflecting a later restringing
• Turquoise cabochons in blue-green tones
• Yei motif
• Cast naja consistent with sand-cast construction
• 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 squash blossom 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 its original pawn tag when it came into our possession. The style likely dates to the 1960s–1970s, based on construction, weight, and overall design character.

The strand is composed of paired Mercury dimes, domed and joined to create hollow silver beads that preserve visible traces of the original coin design. Formed and assembled by hand, these elements show natural variation in symmetry, reinforcing the work's individuality.

Suspended throughout the strand are slightly domed Peace silver dollar coins dating from the early to mid-1920s. Their scale interrupts the rhythm of the beadwork and recalls a coin-jewelry tradition in which historic American silver was reworked into substantial wearable form.

At the center hangs a cast Yei naja set with small turquoise cabochons. The pendant draws on Yei imagery associated with Navajo ceremonial traditions, adding a symbolic dimension to the composition.

With its considerable weight, historic coin materials, and a centerpiece rooted in heritage, this necklace stands as a strong collector’s example of Navajo coin jewelry—sculptural in presence and grounded in time-honored Southwestern silversmithing practices.

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

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

At a Glance:

Heavy 114 grams Navajo turquoise & sterling cuff signed Elouise Kee
Dark green turquoise consistent with Royston district material
Kee's signature negative space design
Collector example with a unique single stone design & disciplined profile

Bracelet Features:

• .925 sterling silver
• Deep green cabochon with mossy tones and pale tan matrix
• Cutout shadowbox face 
• Beadwire framing, chasing, and stampwork
• Wide tapered cuff in heavy-gauge sterling silver
• Hallmarked by the silversmith
• Condition: Very Fine — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: substantial weight with balanced proportions
• Turquoise: 1 13/16" x 1 1/8" (bezel to bezel)
• Face width: 2 1/2"
• Inside length: 5 1/2"
• Gap: 1 5/16"
• Total inside circumference: 6 13/16" (M per SCJ size guide)
• Weight: 114.8 grams

ABOUT THIS PIECE:

This commanding Native American cuff centers on a dark green turquoise cabochon with forest and mossy tones surrounding islands of pale tan matrix. The color palette is deeper and moodier than the brighter blue and green material more often associated with the Royston district, giving the stone a different kind of presence — richer, earthier, and more grounded. Its size and saturated body color make it a very strong visual anchor.

Around the stone, the design is organized with precision. A smooth bezel, framed by beadwire, defines the cabochon, while the cutout shadowbox gives the piece an open aesthetic and creates contrast between the shiny silver planes and the recessed negative space. The cutout work— an element often associated with Elouise Kee’s signature style — and the radiating chased lines and stampwork guide the eye outward from the center, drawing attention to the maker's skilled silverwork.

The shank is built from heavy-gauge sterling silver and adorned with oversized flanking forms that give the mount a structured, almost architectural rhythm without overwhelming the stone. At 114.8 grams, it has the substance prized by many collectors of vintage Native work, with a profile that remains composed without excess.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Available reference material identifies Elouise Kee as a Navajo silversmith associated with Gallup, New Mexico, and as married to Eugene Belone, whom she is described as having taught the craft of jewelry making and silversmithing. Jewelry attributed to Kee is admired for refined sterling silverwork, crisp detail, and carefully selected turquoise, including material represented as Kingman and Royston. Her work reflects a confident design voice grounded in traditional Navajo silversmithing, balancing strong form with measured ornament. Family information published in Gerald Gene Belone’s January 2025 obituary names Elouise Kee and Gene Belone as his parents, confirming that she was living at least as of early 2025. The obituary also notes that Gerald was preceded in death by his brother, Dewayne Belone, suggesting additional family loss, though such details should be treated with care beyond the obituary itself. While we have not located a definitive public source confirming her current production status, her jewelry continues to appear in recent market offerings, reflecting ongoing visibility and collector interest.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of signed Navajo cuffs
• Turquoise enthusiasts drawn to green cabochons
• Collections focused on statement silverwork
• Elevated Western attire, denim, black, and earth-toned wardrobes

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

At a Glance:

Design: Native American squash blossom necklace and matching two-stone cuff bracelet set with large-scale silverwork, repeating flared blossom forms, and an eight-stone naja
Stone: Turquoise cabochons consistent with King’s Manassa material
Color: Teal, light green, and emerald green turquoise with golden-brown host rock
Accent: Chased wing, leaf, and silver drop details on the cuff
Metal: .925 sterling silver
Artist: Signed DH | Douglas Harrison, Navajo silversmith
Era: Circa 1970s
Status: Signed vintage Navajo squash blossom and cuff set from a finished studio period, conceived as a matching ensemble
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 stone: 11/16" x 1 1/2" (bezel to bezel)
• Naja pendant: 3" x 3 5/8"
  
• Blossom length range:  1 1/8" - 2 1/2"
• Bead form: traditional seamed bench-made Navajo beads strung on wire
• Bead diameter: 8-9 mm
• Total length (including clasp): 28"
  
• Clasp: hook and eye
• Weight: 299.4 grams
  

Bracelet Specifications:

• Wear scale: statement cuff presence with broad face and balanced stone scale
• 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
  

Gallery Note:  

This vintage Navajo squash blossom necklace and matching cuff set has a bold, commanding presence. Built in substantial scale, the ensemble is defined by heavy-gauge silverwork, hand-fabricated and hand-assembled elements, square-cut flared blossoms, bench-made beads, and a powerful eight-stone naja that anchors the necklace with unmistakable visual weight.

The turquoise shows soft emerald, teal, and blue-green notes broken by warm golden-brown host rock. Its color and matrix are consistent with King’s Manassa material, though comparable material can also be found in Nevada. As with most historic turquoise, the mine identification is observational, and the precise origin is confirmed only with sourcing documentation or laboratory analysis.

The cuff carries the necklace’s palette into a dramatic wrist form, pairing two cabochons with applied silver details that connect the pieces without making them feel overly matched. Worn together, they create a commanding signed Navajo statement for collectors drawn to generous turquoise, substantial handmade construction, and high-impact Western heritage jewelry.

Hallmark & Maker Notes:

Jewelry bearing the DH hallmark is associated in the vintage market with Navajo silversmith Douglas Harrison. Signed works surface primarily through estate and vintage circulation and are recognized for substantial gauge, generous turquoise use, and strong late twentieth-century presence.

As with many working silversmiths of the period, formal biographical documentation can be limited. This attribution rests on hallmark consistency and comparison across documented examples. Existing pieces represent completed studio production rather than an active contemporary line, making matched necklace-and-cuff sets notably less common than individual works.

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

At a Glance: 

Zuni squash blossom necklace hallmarked "Effie C. Zuni."
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
• Set red-orange corals & inlaid coral snake eyes
  
• Bench-made beads strung on chain
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Hallmarked with family stamp
• Condition: Excellent — see SCJ Vintage Condition Guide

Necklace Specifications: 

• 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 Native American coral squash blossom necklace reflects the distinctive design language associated with Effie Calavaza and the Calavaza family workshop. Known for the flat-head snake motif that winds around turquoise or coral stones, the family developed one of the most recognizable visual vocabularies in Zuni jewelry.

Here, the snakes coil around vivid red-orange coral cabochons, carrying the motif across the necklace with strong visual rhythm from blossom to naja. Their small, inlaid coral eyes add a precise, labor-intensive detail that sharpens the character of the design and has become closely associated with Calavazas.

Handcrafted in sterling silver, this classic squash blossom form brings together sculptural silverwork, bold color contrast, and a motif-driven composition with lasting collector appeal.

ARTISAN NOTE: 

Effie Calavaza (1928-2019) remains one of the best-known names in Zuni jewelry. She began silversmithing in the mid-1950s after learning the craft from her husband, Juan Calavaza, and is generally understood to have remained active into the mid-1970s. Working primarily in sand-cast sterling silver, she became known for nugget design and for surrounding large turquoise and coral stones with 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, New Mexico. 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:

• Collectors of Calavaza workshop 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: 

Squash blossom necklace by award-winning Navajo 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 silversmith
• 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:

To create this squash blossom necklace, Navajo silversmith Peterson Johnson selected a remarkable suite of turquoise cabochons distinguished by a green-dominant palette. The stones move through layered tones of olive and moss with deeper forest hues and occasional flashes of lighter green and blue—traits most often associated with Pilot Mountain turquoise. Although Royston district deposits can produce similar material, the color range and matrix pattern seen here most closely align with those of Pilot Mountain examples.

Expertly polished to highlight subtle variation, the stones bring depth and cohesion to the composition. Johnson’s disciplined silverwork, heavy-gauge construction, balanced proportions, and precise stone placement honor established Navajo silversmithing traditions while presenting a confident revival statement. The result is substantial, culturally rooted, and visually compelling—an exceptional collector piece defined by material quality and craftsmanship.

ARTISAN NOTE:

Peterson Johnson (Navajo), born October 2, 1956, is the son of Alice Johnson and Wilson Johnson and began silversmithing in 1976. A self-taught artist known for traditional Navajo jewelry of exceptional precision and finish, he has received numerous awards throughout the Southwest and is respected among fellow silversmiths for his meticulous craftsmanship, earning him the nickname “The Machine.” His work was exhibited at the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show from 1994 to 1996 and has been carried by noted Southwestern galleries, including Palms Trading Company in Albuquerque. Today, his jewelry is sought by collectors for its disciplined construction, durability, and distinctive Peterson flair.

PERFECT FOR:

• Collectors of award-winning Navajo silversmith Peterson Johnson
• Building a serious Native American squash blossom collection
• Lovers of green-dominant turquoise, especially Pilot Mountain material
• Southwestern statement styling—from gallery openings to evening wear
• Heirloom collectors seeking masterfully constructed Navajo jewelry

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