Southwestern Jewelry – Bold, Authentic & Full of Flair

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:

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.