Vintage Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace-Sterling Silver & Turquoise Native American, Mexican
Signed: CHOEN, MEXICO. It’s worn away, so looks like CHOEN XICO
Stamped: Sterling 0925, but also worn away so looks like 092
Price: $8,550.00
Navajo Squash Blossom necklace, hand-made in sterling silver and turquoise. This seems to have been made in the 1940’s or 1950’s, signed CHOEN, and possibly Amans Choen.
For those who love numbers:
- 10 Turquoise Squash Blossoms
- Total length 29”: Necklace length 25” plus pendant 4”
- Pendant 4” x 3.5”
- Each Blossom 2.25” x 1.25”
- 8.32 oz //235.9 grams
This necklace was bought by my mother, Tammy, on a trip to Mexico in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s. As an artist, architect, and anthropologist, Tammy loved the necklace for the craftsmanship, history, culture, and beauty. I remember when she brought it home, but think she only wore it once or twice to parties. Her style was not quite so bold, and even less so when she moved to her next career as an activist lawyer. I wish I had a photo of her wearing this fabulous necklace.
The silver has a warm patina which should polish nicely should you decide to do so. Normally I would clean and polish this before photographing and posting, but since un-doing the removal of vintage patina is impossible, I am leaving that choice to the next owner. There is no right and wrong, only taste and style.
The Squash Blossom was created as a talisman for protection, with the Moors affixing it to their horses' bridles to ward off the evil eye. It ended up as the centerpiece of the squash blossom necklace, dating back to the 1870’s for protection and good luck. The horseshoe shape pendant, known as Naja, the Navajo word for “crescent” and the beads represent pomegranates or squash flowers. Both have Spanish roots.
The earliest Squash Blossom necklaces had little or no turquoise, which was added around the 1890’s.
Turquoise, known as the Traveler’s Stone, is especially important to the Navajo and many other first nation people who believe that by wearing turquoise the human mind becomes one with the universe.
Turquoise represents power, status, and luxury. It is believed that wearing turquoise results in good fortune, happiness, and security. Is said to possess healing and protective powers, attracts luck, love, and money. Turquoise helps to ground the spirit while allowing the energy path to remain clear, thus keeping its connection to the infinite open.
In addition to wearing turquoise jewelry, the Navajo’s store turquoise in baskets or hang it from the ceiling in order to protect the family from evil.
Someone is going to love wearing this fabulous statement piece. Is it you?
