Early 1900's Old Pawn Turquoise Squash Blossom

A remarkable piece of early Southwestern jewelry, this early 1900s Old Pawn silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace carries the unmistakable character of a piece that has lived a life long before reaching us. From its beautifully aged silver to its collection of vibrant turquoise stones, every detail speaks to traditional hand craftsmanship and generations of wear.

The necklace measures approximately 22 inches long and weighs a substantial 113.64 grams. A double strand of handmade silver beads supports ten individual squash blossoms, each centered with a natural turquoise cabochon. The stones display gorgeous variations of bright blue and blue-green with distinctive brown and earthy matrix, giving each blossom its own personality.

What makes the silverwork especially striking is the organic, almost botanical quality of the settings. Hand-worked leaf forms, twisted wire, scrollwork, silver drops, and flared blossoms surround the turquoise, creating considerably more movement and dimension than is found in many traditional squash blossom designs. The deep, naturally developed patina settles beautifully into these details and emphasizes the necklace’s age and handmade construction.

At the center hangs an unusual naja measuring approximately 2 inches tall by 3 inches wide. Five larger turquoise settings form its crescent silhouette, with an additional turquoise drop suspended from the center. The asymmetric shapes, individual matrix patterns, and old silver surface give the naja tremendous character without overwhelming the necklace.

This piece is unstamped and unsigned, consistent with many early examples of Southwestern and Native American silverwork. It is being offered as an Old Pawn necklace believed to date to the early 1900s. Without a maker’s mark or documented provenance, attribution to a specific artist or tribal silversmith cannot be made.

Details

• Era: Believed to date to the early 1900s

• Style: Old Pawn squash blossom necklace

• Metal: Silver

• Stone: Natural turquoise

• Length: Approx. 22”

• Naja: Approx. 2” tall × 3” wide

• Weight: 113.64 grams

• Markings: None / unstamped

• Maker: Unknown

• Condition: Antique condition with naturally developed patina, surface wear, stone variation, and handmade irregularities consistent with age

For the collector drawn to early pieces, this necklace has everything that cannot be recreated through modern production: irregular handwork, individually shaped turquoise, an aged silver surface and a design that feels distinctly personal to the silversmith who created it.

More than a century after it was believed to have been made, it remains an extraordinary piece of wearable Southwestern history—beautifully imperfect, unmistakably handmade, and completely one of a kind.