Turn of the Century Squash Blossom

The earliest Navajo pieces did not have turquoise; this sand-cast and handmade squash blossom is turn of the century - most probably before; made for own use; simple, stunning and important. There are a vast array of prices on squash blossoms. This particular one is older than most as it is it is Circa 1890. The squash blossom necklace was created in the late 1870s or early 1880s. The Navajo, it is believed, were the first tribe to adopt the design, but by the early 1900s, the art form had spread to neighboring tribes, including the Zuni and the Pueblo. These necklaces peaked in the early 1970s, which is the timeframe you see most on the market (all the way through contemporary). Particularly of interest with this one is that it is sand cast and hand stamped detail. Sandcasting is a generations-old method of jewelry used by Navajo and Native American silversmiths. In the casting process, a design is hand-carved into sandstone, creating a negative space where molten silver or gold can be poured. After casting, the piece is refined and decorated by hand.