Zuni Morenci Squash Blossom Necklace [SG-478]

A truly artistic creation by a once-known Zuni master silversmith/lapidarist. Graduated reverse tear drop Morenci turquoise stone. Each bezel is tailored to the exact shape of the mined stones. The fine serrated bezel cradles each stone. A set of three vivid hand-stamped silver flower-heads formed a crown. Deep stamping/chisel work textures the thick silver sides. Deep patina formed over decades.

The silver bead raindrop flared out, insect-like, with a repousse half pinion bead in between. Two rows of six blossoms radiated outward, spaced at two beads apart, strung on silver foxtail. The beads are bench-made by hand and outward dimpled at each end.

The majestic Naja is three stones crowned by a keystone. The pointy end down, gradually smaller stones cling to a perfect circle of chisel-stamped, lovely sunflower thick silver. The heads are filled in each joint with a pair of sweeping beaded tendrils close to the Naja, protecting the central embryo. High-grade Morenci mine, Arizona turquoise. Old pawn.

Recent scholarship of Zuni necklaces of this design work points to famed artist, Dan Simplicio. Of the few known, this one reigns supreme. The turquoise stones- size/shape, along with the silversmithing.

Length - 26 1/2"

Naja diameter - 3"