Up for your consideration is this fabulous Native American made sterling silver squash blossom necklace with matching beaded earrings. The necklace is a combination of work by Navajo silversmiths, Darryl Becenti and Marilyn Platero. Darryl made the large silver naja and the 12 silver squash blossoms. Mary did the beads and the stringing, as well creating the beaded earrings.
The sterling silver necklace is double stranded with 12 hand made blossoms (six on each side), and a large naja, featuring Darryl's reknown scalloped edging and lots of repousse and stamp work. The naja, blossoms and beads have an oxidized finish which accentuates the stampwork. Darrell makes his own stamps and dyes, and heavily employs magnificent stars, fans, scallops, shells, and elaborate appliques in all of his jewelry. His jewelry is highly prized for it's deep hand-stamped Navajo designs, repousse silver work, and thick gauges of silver.
The necklace features beautiful machine-made bench beads, that are hand soldered, strung and finished by Navajo silversmith Marilyn Platero with an oxidized or antiqued brushed satin finish. The beads alternate between smooth and fluted beads, as shown. There is a 4-inch long extender, with beads at the top and the bottom too.
* 26 inches long from end to end, plus a 4-inch long extender
* 15 inch hang from the back of the neck to the bottom of the naja, without using the extender. 17 inch with use of the extender.
* Naja: 2-5/8 inches wide by 3 inches tall
* Earrings: 2-1/4" long and weigh 7.6 grams. Beads match the necklace.
Brand new and in perfect condition. Hallmarked by Navajo Darryl Becenti. Certificate of Authenticity and gift box included.
The price includes the matching bead earrings as shown. Or you can then match the necklace up with a pair of Darryl's naja earrings, (for $150-$250 more, depending upon the size) which would go beautifully with this. If you would rather purchase the necklace without any earrings, the price is $60 less.
Darryl Becenti was born in 1957 in Gallup. New Mexico. He was taught silver work by his brothers-in-law, David & Leroy Reeves in 1980 and he is the brother-in-law to the famous Sunshine Reeves, Gary Reeves, David Reeves, Andy Cadman, and Darrell Cadman Clan.
The crescent shaped naja is one of the most familiar forms in Navajo indian jewelry. It clearly comes from outside the Navajo culture. It is thought to have originated in the Old World as a Spanish horse gear - a third eye placed on the animals forehead to ward off evil. It is often used as a focus piece in " squash blossoms " are actually pomegranate blossoms that were worn as trouser decorations by Spanish Colonial gentleman.