Posted 10 years ago
cwpost
(122 items)
The image is a unique, one of a kind, Navajo necklace that is most certainly belongs in a museum.
This rare natural turquoise, from a Southwest mines, put in one-of-a-kind Native American artistic creations, turns out to a seldom seen rarity with everlasting value.
Measuring 19 1/2 inches in length, it bears a Thunderbird that measures to 4 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches. The Thunderbird is unique in itself in that it is carved from a large piece of old mined turquoise and the beak of the bird appears to be Appolonia. The Thunderbird is backed with sterling silver. And the the chain of the necklace is made of small turquoise cylinders.
I believe this necklace to be circa 1930's to 1940's.
There is no indication of who the Native American artist may be.
I welcome any and all information pertaining to this item.
Beautiful!!
Interesting necklace-- believe it is an eagle.
I don't think it has a lot of age. The wing attachments and construction of the feet would make me think it was modern made.
As a handmade piece-- every one is slightly different, but I would think that many of the same style were made.
scott
Wow! This must be really heavy! I'm with scott and val on the age. Interesting...
Can you show us a pic of the clasp?
Wow fantastic! Agree more modern.
Thanks to all. I have included more pics, including clasp
It's possible that it could be from the 70's, at least no fishing line was used and the clasp is definitely an older one...although that doesn't prove anything. I'm just not positive. And I've seen a lot of turquoise jewelry, large pieces too but not one like this. Not even in a museum. May be just that, a one of a kind. Don't mean to disappoint but I still feel like it's a newer piece.
Regardless, it's a nice piece and you get 10 points for the unusual :)
Similar piece. Midway down right side:
http://www.featherinthespiritwind.com/Pages/Necklaces.aspx
scott
i have a necklace which is similar- it is a turquoise and sterling silver eagle- with a mother of pearl beak and tiny silver feet- on the back it is stamped sterling and the initials BL. It is Navajo and the artist is Ben Livingston. It was designed in the 80's- in three sizes-my eagle is the largest one at 3 and 5/8 inch wing span. the chain is sterling. yours is beautiful also