Necklace c. 1940s - 1950s
navajodine
round frame
circular oval feature
silver
wedding photograph
jewellry advertising photography
jewelry design
virtual 3d design
round design
3d shape
united-states
round circular shape
bridal fashion
This Navajo (Diné) necklace, dating from the 1940s-1950s, showcases the artistry of Indigenous American silversmithing. The necklace features a string of silver beads with decorative pendants and a central medallion. The medallion features a turquoise stone set within a starburst design, highlighting the use of natural materials in Navajo jewelry. This piece is a testament to the enduring traditions and craftsmanship of the Diné people.
Comments
Necklaces are one of the most distinctive types of Southwest jewelry. Modified from an earlier design of carved turquoise beads, the classic form is made of cast or hammered silver. Round beads are interspersed with squash blossom ones, a shape adapted from a Spanish pomegranate decorative motif. The crescent-shaped pendant, or naja, is purely an aesthetic element, to provide a visual focus for each necklace. Over time, the original form became ever more elaborate, with additional turquoise added at crucial design points for greater ornamentation. The creativity of the artist is expressed through their combination of all these varied elements into a beautiful and harmonious whole.
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