What does a squash blossom necklace mean?
wealth
Were squash blossom necklaces worn for a specific purpose? While the necklaces do not have a specific ceremonial use, they were worn as a symbol of one’s status, wealth and cultural belonging. And the bigger, the better, Dubin said: “You wore your wealth in these cultures—you wore your silver, you wore your turquoise.”
Can men wear squash blossom necklaces?
antique & vintage Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi jewelry for sale. Native American squash blossom necklaces are some of the best known Indian jewelry and are worn by both men and women. The squash blossom was borrowed from Spanish silver ornament, although Europeans knew it as a pomegranate flower.
What does Naja mean in Navajo?
crescent
Naja Symbol Meaning The word “naja” is the Navajo word for “crescent”. Navajo Indian silversmiths began incorporating the naja design into their jewelry. The Navajo were the main Indian tribe that made the najas, but they were also made by some Pueblo tribes as well.
How do you avoid buying fake Native American jewelry?
Buy from a Trusted Dealer The best way to avoid buying fake jewelry is to avoid dealers that sell it. At Southwest Silver Gallery, we’ve built a solid reputation by sourcing our genuine Native American jewelry from artisans representing the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Santo Domingo tribes.
How do I identify old pawn jewelry?
Authentic Old Pawn jewelry will have a natural gray patina, indicating age. It takes decades for the patina to develop and may appear grayer in dry climates like the southwest. Humidity will add a darker, blacker patina. Patina typically isn’t buffed off in order to preserve its history and value.
Are squash blossom necklaces sacred?
Only later did it become the crowning achievement of their Squash Blossom necklaces, hanging symmetrically at the center of the necklace when worn. Although the Navajo claim that the Naja has no precise symbolic or spiritual significance, it is ubiquitous in their culture and held in high esteem.
Is it OK to wear Native American jewelry?
In short, wearing Native patterns or jewelry is fine as long as you bought them from an actual Native designer. And if there’s something that you really shouldn’t be wearing — i.e. a headdress with special religious or tribal significance — the artist you’re buying from will likely let you know.
How can you tell Navajo jewelry?
If your jewelry has lots of silver and large unshaped stones, there’s a good chance it’s a Navajo piece. If it has smaller expertly cut stones, clusters of stones, or stone inlay, then there’s a good chance it might be a Zuni piece.
What is the significance of the squash blossom in Native American jewelry?
And though the squash blossom necklace to which it is attached has no specific ceremonial function among Southwest tribes, it was traditionally worn as a symbol of one’s status, wealth and cultural belonging.
Why do natives wear turquoise?
Turquoise is a symbol of protection, truth, and courage. According to Native Americans, the person who wears the stone is protected from harm, especially when fighting battles, while animals carry the rider safely and prevent falling off.
Is Native American jewelry worth anything?
Many pieces of authentic Native American jewelry like squash blossom necklaces, Zuni rings, coral beads and inlay earrings easily command thousands to tens of thousands of dollars on the jewelry market.
How do you clean a squash blossom necklace?
Mix a bowl of very hot water with Amonia (1/4 cup) and dishwashing liquid (2-3 TBSP). NO CHLORINE. NO BLEACH. I recommend that you test the end of necklace and brush it a few times and rinse.
How can you tell if Native American jewelry is real?
A genuine piece will have no wavering lines or lopsided designs, well-cut stones that are uniform in size, and no visible glue between the metal and stone. Also be on the lookout for sterling silver versus silver-plated jewelry. A quick way to tell the difference is to hold a small magnet to the piece.
Did the Cherokee wear turquoise?
In the coastal woodlands of the Carolina’s native Americans also revered the color of turquoise. Cherokee Indians used indigo to dye their clothes the brilliant blue color and also to created jewelry and trading items.
What does turquoise mean to Cherokee?
Turquoise holds a special significance in Native American culture, meaning something profound and specific to individual tribes. Referred to as the “stone of life,” many believe it is a living mineral because of its ability to change colors depending on its environment.
How can you tell if Navajo jewelry is real?
Why is Native American jewelry expensive?
AGE/ERA: Items that are pre-1960s fetch a premium over contemporary jewelry because they were made in smaller quantities. Mass production in factories and workshops began in the 1970s, when Indian jewelry became very popular. CONDITION: As with anything, items that are in good condition are worth more.