Shell Squash Blossom Appraisal

Vintage Navajo White Shell Squash Blossom Necklace and Ring Set

This is a vintage Southwestern squash blossom necklace and matching ring set, likely of Navajo (Dine) origin. The necklace is constructed with double rows of sterling silver 'bench beads' or 'Navajo pearls,' transitioning to a single row at the nape. It features twelve traditional squash blossom fluted charms, each set with an oval-shaped white shell cabochon (possibly white mother of pearl or white buffalo stone) held within a serrated bezel and accented with twisted wire rope detailing. The central focal point is a large 'Naja' pendant, a horseshoe-shaped cast silver piece featuring seven additional matching inset stones. The accompanying ring matches the style of the necklace, featuring two smaller oval stones in a vertical bypass or stacked arrangement. Physically, the silver displays a heavy, desirable dark patina in the recessed areas, which highlights the relief work of the beads and bezels. The stones appear to have a soft iridescent luster typical of natural shell. The craftsmanship indicates a mid-to-late 20th-century style period, approximately 1970s. While no maker's mark is visible in the photograph, the uniform construction of the beads and the precision of the bezel settings suggest high-quality artisanal work. Condition-wise, the set appears well-preserved with no missing stones or significant structural damage, though there is natural oxidation on the silver commensurate with age and use.