Native American Malachite Sterling Silver Squash Blossom Necklace set.

Stunning, hand stamped Navajo design Sterling Silver with genuine Malachite cabs. A Southwest traditional Squash Blossom of a different color. A bold and striking combination. This unusual Squash Blossom is 28" in length, the Naja is 3" wide and the blossoms and matching earrings and bracelet. Made in our shop by Verna Blackgoat, Signed and stamped Sterling. The horseshoe-shaped "Naja" represents the emblem that adorned Spanish horses, centuries ago.

Tumbled stones of malachite are possibly the most popular tumbled stones ever and are sold in literally every rock shop around the world. Carvings and figurines of malachite are almost as common. A skilled craftsman can make the concentric malachite bands follow the curves of a work of art like contours on a rugged terrain. Although malachite art is not as precious as jade; it is hard to argue that it is less beautiful.

Malachite is also popular in jewelry, Native American Southwestern jewelry especially. The stones inlaid in silver make a nice variance from the traditional turquoise jewelry. Instead of competing, the two stones tend to compliment each other when placed together in the same settings. Other stones such as coral, mother-of-pearl, Azurite, jasper and onyx also compliment malachite's green colors and are typically used with malachite in handcrafted jewelry.

The Navajo were the first to produce jewelry that required the working of metal. Their love of metal working can be traced to the Spanish arrival in the Southwest. The silver bridles and horse trappings of the Conquistadors were admired and often stolen by the raiding Navajos. Later when the area became part of Mexico, Mexican silversmiths traded jewelry to wealthy Navajo for sheep. Jewelry became a symbol of wealth.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC