Posted 9 years ago
EZa
(41 items)
My mother-in-law acquired this stunning Squash Blossom necklace. We are all curious in all aspects of this. It's quite lovely , of course. What is it's worth? Real coral or glass cabochons? The origin? How old? Where do we look for the maker? Looks like someone cleaned it-see the dark on the back in between the silver. Looks like glass to me, not coral. It's 20" long. Thanks for any info~
Sorry, I cannot help - but I love it!
antique vintage earring fitting
This will help with the earring fitting, it will give you a clue to the age of your pieces.
http://www.fancy4glass.ca/information-gallery-main-pages/identifying-and-dating-an-antique-or-vintage-jewelry-clasp-or-hinge.htm
Im really sorry about that it didn't paste, I hope I have more luck this time.
I think your beautiful pieces are probably from the 1920-30s. Good luck on your research
gorgeous !!
Thank you for the nice comments Manikin and Freiheit. Thanks for the help, Peasejean55.
Check this one out
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Handmade-Navajo-Sterling-Silver-Coral-Squash-Blossom-Necklace-/301846746141
http://www.navajorugsindianbaskets.com/artist/_08%20-%20Jewelry-New/types/NN2_-_Necklaces_-_Squash_Blossom_Post_1970/4129/#!9048
It's a treasure! I would'nt sell unless I absolutely had to if it was mine.
Well done to both Mankin and Efesgirl, I think your spot on with you links.
Depending upon where you live, take it in to RELIABLE Native American stores for an informal appraisal, or go to a pow wow and check around. If it's real coral, that necklace is worth a lot, especially the darker red type. Hard to find these days. Hang onto it, if possible. There are 2 in Berkeley, CA: The Trading Post on College Ave., and Gathering Tribes on Solano Avenue, both have excellent reputations. Good luck!
Ok great idea. Thanks so much, ladies!
This one is listed as faux coral, very close to the design of your necklace:
http://goldstreamboutique.com/collections/native-american-pendants-necklaces/products/native-american-old-pawn-navajo-sterling-silver-faux-coral-squash-blossom-handmade-necklace
One on eBay exactly like yours:
http://goldstreamboutique.com/collections/native-american-pendants-necklaces/products/native-american-old-pawn-navajo-sterling-silver-faux-coral-squash-blossom-handmade-necklace
Yes, Good examples very similar to this one in $400-$600 range. I don't know if she wants to sell this one or keep it, but it's a beauty. Thanks Efesgirl!
Oh, I forgot to say that I love the example with the flower design!
I love how each cabochon (?) is framed in black... it really allows them to pop!
Thanks Rick55, it's a lovely piece, nice heavy weight, and hangs perfectly.
An update: we went to a few Native American jewelry stores and had this looked at by more experienced eyes. So, this is gem grade calibrated cabochons in Ox Blood coral. Once I put on my reading glasses and got a magnifying glass I could see that it is indeed coral. They used a jeweler's loop. Also, this piece is probably from the 60's and they could tell by the foxtail wire used. The nice woman recommended some books to learn more about Native American jewelry makers, dating them, etc. We also brought along a "junky" pin that Grandma gave us: a Native American Naja in turquoise that they said is over 70 + years old and not junk jewelry at all. SO! Always exciting to learn something new about a new subject. I'll be posting that piece next.
The jewlery was more than likely made during or after World War 2. My father bought my mother a hand made collection similar to the one in the picture, but with a lot more detail. He gave about 600 dollars just for the necklace alone, and that was just after the war. There is no telling what it is worth now. Your necklace does not have the detail mine does, but I can almost assure you that it is NOT plastic or glass. There are several colors of turquoise and I have a set or red like yours, as well as the aqua stones. Please take this to a jeweler and have it appraised. You might want to insure it as well.
Thanks for your input, Tunnelchicken. That's a lot of good information. Yes, I think it's a special necklace:)