Lot 114475

Early Sandcast Navajo Turquoise & Silver Squash Blossom Necklace, c. 1940s

Previous image preload Next image preload

Early Sandcast Navajo Turquoise & Silver Squash Blossom Necklace, c. 1940s

left to bid 14d 0h 26m left to bid (Bidding Extended) Lot is closed 14d 0h 26m left to bid Refresh page

Current Bid: $450

(8 Bids)

by Ace Of Estates
August 16, 2026 2:00 PM MST
Timed Auction

Carefree, AZ, US 85377

Condition:
Presented in exceptional vintage condition, retaining a deep, undisturbed pewter-toned patina commensurate with its significant age. The silver exhibits minor surface scuffs, scratches, and slight textural variations inherent to its handmade, sandcast construction. All turquoise cabochons are present and appear secure within their hand-formed bezels, displaying natural matrix, color variations, and surface character. The original stringing appears secure, though as with all antique necklaces, may require future attention with wear. The handmade hook-and-eye clasp is fully functional. This piece is characteristically unsigned, a common trait for work of this period.

Item Description
Weight: 193.6 grams

This is not merely a necklace; it is a profound piece of wearable history, a tangible echo from the heart of the Diné (Navajo) Nation. To hold it is to feel the weight of its silver and the soul of its creator. Each of the 193.6 grams speaks to a past era of meticulous, unhurried craftsmanship, where every element was shaped by hand and imbued with cultural significance. The necklace possesses an immediate, resonant power, its cool silver and vibrant turquoise resting against the skin like a protective talisman. It is an artifact that carries the quiet dignity of the Southwestern landscape from which it was born, a piece that feels both monumental and deeply personal.

Design & Craftsmanship:
This commanding piece is a masterclass in early Navajo silversmithing techniques, distinguished by its primitive elegance and unique design motifs. The entire suite—from the formidable Naja pendant to the flanking blossoms—has been realized using the arduous sandcasting method. This traditional process involves carving a design into tufa stone or hardened sand, creating a one-time-use mold into which molten silver is poured. The result is a surface with a subtle, organic texture that cannot be replicated by modern methods. The Naja, a powerful crescent form believed to be a symbol of protection, is rendered with beautiful simplicity, its surface adorned with delicate, repeating stamped crescents. Most notably, the twelve 'blossoms' diverge from the common pomegranate-inspired shape. Here, the artist has created a highly stylized, almost zoomorphic form reminiscent of a fishtail or bird effigy, lending the necklace a rare and captivating character. These elements are strung on a double strand of handmade two-piece bench beads, each one painstakingly domed, soldered, and polished by hand.

A Legacy in Silver: The Navajo Smith:
The story of Navajo silversmithing began in the mid-19th century when a smith named Atsidi Sani learned the craft from Mexican *plateros*. Initially working with iron, he adapted the skills to silver, using coins and ingots to create simple, bold adornments. For the Navajo, silver became more than decoration; it was a tangible store of wealth, a symbol of status, and an object of spiritual power. Early works, often made in rustic conditions with simple hand tools, are characterized by their substantial weight, hand-wrought details, and lack of artist signatures—hallmarks all present in this exemplary piece. The integration of turquoise, a stone sacred to the Diné, represented the sky and water, adding a layer of profound spiritual meaning. Based on the sandcast technique, the handmade beads, the specific style of the Naja, the character of the turquoise, and the lack of signature, we can confidently date this necklace to the 1930s-1950s, a pivotal period in Navajo artistic expression.

  • Tribe / Origin: Navajo
  • Circa: 1930s - 1950s
  • Hallmark: Unsigned
  • Technique: Sandcasting, Stamping, Lapidary
  • Materials: Coin Silver (or higher, untested), Turquoise
  • Total Weight: 193.6 Grams
  • Wearable Length: Approx. 25 inches
  • Naja Dimensions: 3.02 inches x 2.46 inches
  • Construction: Double-strand handmade bench beads, 12 sandcast blossoms, 1 sandcast Naja, 15 total turquoise settings.


Flat rate shipping contiguous 48 states: $35.00

Only items pictured are what you will receive. We are not aware of any accessories that are not shown with the unit. If an item requires testing, we do not guarantee long term use. This is an estate item, history is unknown. We are not experts, we do not authenticate items unless otherwise noted. All sales are final. No refunds or returns.

Ref: JR1122 | PD1

Dimensions (HxWxD)
Length: 25in x Naja: 3.02 x 2.46in

Weight
193.6 grams

Flat Shipping Rate
(Within Contiguous U.S.)

$35.00

Local Pickup
We offer local pickup of your item by appointment only. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a follow-up email to schedule a pickup time on the specified dates listed below. Detailed directions to the pickup location will be provided once your appointment is confirmed.

Pick-Up Dates/Time:
By Appointment Tuesday 8/18/26, or Wednesday 8/19/26 ,10am to 4pm

Pick-Up Location:
The Town of Cave Creek, Spur Cross & Cave Creek Rd (exact address will be given after purchase is complete)

Item number:
114475

Ref:
JR1122
PD1
NAM820
NAM731
NAT202
JWL410
CST101

  • Dimensions: Length: 25in x Naja: 3.02 x 2.46in
  • Condition: Presented in exceptional vintage condition, retaining a deep, undisturbed pewter-toned patina commensurate with its significant age. The silver exhibits minor surface scuffs, scratches, and slight textural variations inherent to its handmade, sandcast construction. All turquoise cabochons are present and appear secure within their hand-formed bezels, displaying natural matrix, color variations, and surface character. The original stringing appears secure, though as with all antique necklaces, may require future attention with wear. The handmade hook-and-eye clasp is fully functional. This piece is characteristically unsigned, a common trait for work of this period.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping
Most items are eligible for shipping. Each listing includes a flat-rate shipping price for delivery within the Continental U.S. If a shipping price is not listed, it's likely that the item cannot be shipped. If you win multiple items, we will make every effort to combine them for shipping and apply a discount to the total shipping cost. However, please note that large and/or fragile items must be shipped individually.


International Bidders/ International Shipping
All invoices exceeding $1,000.00 USD must be settled through bank wire transfer. We can arrange shipping through a third-party shipper. Please note there are size limitations for each country that we can ship to. If you are unsure, please email and we can verify if it is within the acceptable dimensions. Also, some items may have shipping restrictions to your country. It is your responsibility to verify the legality of the item in your country or state before placing a bid. We will not ship items that are subject to restrictions. Shipping costs will be billed separately after payment for the auction items is received. We will combine and discount shipping fees where applicable.


Ace Of Estates

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50