Lady Liberty dollar coin squash blossom necklace c. 1923

This squash blossom necklace was made with silver by a Navajo (Diné) artist. Imagine the artist carefully arranging the composition, thinking about the balance, the weight of the coins, each one a little different, slightly worn, whispering stories of exchange and value. They are strung together with the handmade silver beads that almost look like they are mirroring the coins. I love how the artist transforms these everyday objects into something precious and meaningful. Each coin is a tiny painting, right? Think about how this necklace might feel against your skin, the cool weight of the silver. I imagine the artist, someone unknown to us, handling each piece with care, and the deep satisfaction of creation. There’s a conversation happening here, a kind of call and response between tradition and individual expression. It reminds me of the way painters build on the work of those who came before, each adding their voice to a long, ongoing discussion. Isn’t that beautiful?