Necklace c. 1950

This necklace, created by Navajo (Diné) artists, features the meticulous arrangement of silver beads and turquoise stones. The composition, with its layered strands of spherical beads and crescent shapes, presents a study in repetition and symmetry. The cool, muted silver is punctuated by the sporadic presence of the green turquoise. The structure of the necklace engages with ideas of adornment and cultural identity. The repeated spherical beads can be interpreted as a formal device, creating rhythm and movement within the design. The crescent motifs, evenly spaced, contribute to an overall sense of balance, a visual harmony. The turquoise accents break the monochromatic silver, adding visual interest and symbolic depth. Note the formal qualities of craftsmanship and design. It’s not merely a piece of jewelry, but a carefully constructed object where each element contributes to a larger aesthetic and cultural dialogue. Like any art, its meaning continues to evolve through its interpretation.