Modified Squash Blossom Necklace | Sterling Silver | Vintage c.1950's

A Bit About The Piece:

Vintage Navajo squash blossom necklace set with Fox and Sonoran turquoise.  See wear report.

Details, details...

The Stones: Turquoise

• 15 freeform cabochon cuts
• varieties include:
• in squash blossom: Fox (Lander County, Nevada)
• in necklace: Sonoran (Sonora, Mexico)
• natural
• stabilized

The Necklace: Handmade, Modified Squash Blossom Necklace

• .925 sterling silver, solid
• handmade silver beads
  
• chain length: 30 inches
• average bead millimeter: 8.96mm
• approximate centerpiece measurements: 3.75" x 3.5"
• necklace weight: 262.63 grams
• signed on back of many pieces with maker's mark "M"
• circa 1950's

Wear Report

Sonoran turquoise in necklace does not appear to be original, and instead a later modification.  Some beads also appear to be missing near clasp.  Piece arrived to us in its current state and has been thoroughly checked.

About Turquoise:

What once was regarded a common byproduct of copper mining is now realized to be a rather scarce gem.  Typically found in or near copper mines around the world, turquoise from each locality differs in color, quality, character, and rarity.  Certain mines are known for producing highly valuable material in very limited quantity.  Inclusions of other copper-bearing minerals such as azurite, malachite, and chrysocolla are not uncommon.

  Turquoise ranks 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness.  Because this is often not suitable for everyday wear, most turquoise on the market is hardened (or "stabilized") with electricity and/or polymer.  Stabilization is viewed as an accepted, regular practice in the lapidary industry and is not to be confused with "dying" material.  Dyed (or artificially colored) material is not viewed as favorably among dealers and collectors.  It is very important to be careful when cleaning your turquoise jewelry.  Turquoise is a porous stone that can absorb any harsh chemical used.  Avoid putting your turquoise jewelry in chemical jewelry cleaners, and be sure to focus only on cleaning the metal around your stone.