Squash Blossom Necklaces For Sale

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Native American Squash Blossom Necklaces for Sale!

Our online selection of Native American Squash Blossom Necklaces. Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklaces, Sterling Silver Squash Blossom Necklaces, Antique Squash Blossom Necklace, etc. All hand-crafted by Native American Indian jewelry artists… and all gorgeous!

Likely the most recognizable of all Native American Jewelry pieces, the Squash Blossom Necklace has an interesting history, and somewhat confusing origin.  Although now crafted by Zuni and Hopi jewelry artists (and even manufactured (sometimes overseas)), the Squash Blossom Necklace was definitely developed by, and credited to, Navajo silversmiths / jewelry makers starting right about the year 1880… but the ‘beginnings’ of this modern statement piece started long before.

Squash Blossom Necklace History & Origins

A traditional squash blossom necklace is comprised of two main elements: 1. the squash blossom beads along the sides of the necklace, and; 2. the crescent-shaped ‘Naja’ at the bottom center of the necklace.  Then there are some minor variations, as well.

The earliest beginnings of the modern squash blossom necklace came to the Southwest Native Americans sometime around the year 1600.  The Spanish conquistadors of this time period often put a crescent-shaped medallion on their horse bridles when they went into battle.  After capturing one of these crescent-shaped medallions (or perhaps even trading for one), the Southwest American Indians would often wear it to show off their “win” (I didn’t know how to best word this part (ha)).  This was the beginning of what we now know as the ‘Naja’; the crescent shaped piece that hangs at the center bottom of a squash blossom necklace.  Originally, this ‘Naja’ was just made of silver, but now often has turquoise or other stones attached to it as well, and even intricate craftsmanship.

The squash blossom beads along the side could come from a simple desire for a fun design.  However, most (including we) believe that these ‘blossoming’ beads, shaped as a silver bulb that spreads out at one end, likely came from one of two concepts.  First, the American Indians have long been known for implementing design elements, where the idea actually came from other real tangible and important parts of life; in this case a blossoming flower or fruit of some kind?  The second and possibly most likely theory, is that the ‘blossoming bead’ shape/design came from the the pomegranate-shaped buttons used on clothing worn by the Spanish of the mid-late 1800’s.  —  Later, some of the jewelry makers started using turquoise stones instead of the silver bulb, with the ‘blossoming’ petals still coming out.  Now, we can also see lovely squash blossom necklaces with no blossoms at all, but instead, just a turquoise stone or a cluster of turquoise stones (sometimes other stones like coral, lapis, shell, etc.) where the bulb & blossom should be.