Vintage Squash Blossom Necklace - 24"

This lovely Navajo handmade squash blossom necklace was part of a collection of vintage Native American jewelry.  It has twelve natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise stones, fourteen lapis stones, and eleven natural red coral stones.  It is strung on a sterling silver chain with handmade beads.  "BI" and "Sterling" are stamped on the back of the pendant dangling from the naja.  More about najas and the process making of tufa cast jewelry

Size: 24" Long - Naja 1.75" W x 1.75" W

Najas are a prominent symbol in Navajo jewelry and are always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  I was told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands on each end.

Tufa Cast Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again.