Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace 20 " Long-
This beautiful squash blossom necklace carries one of the most meaningful and recognizable designs in Southwestern Native American jewelry. The style is believed to have originated with the Navajo, who were the first to adopt and develop the distinctive beads. By the early 1900s, the artistry had spread to neighboring tribes, including the Zuni and Pueblo. The necklace takes its name from a specific Navajo bead whose original name translates to “bead which spreads out.”
A traditional squash blossom necklace features three signature elements: smooth round beads, the flared beads often referred to as “blossoms,” and the striking crescent‑shaped pendant at the base known as the Naja.
There are two main interpretations of the design’s origins. Some believe the Navajo were inspired by the pomegranate motifs used by Spanish settlers—seen on decorative buttons and in artwork. In Spain, the pomegranate is a revered symbol, especially in the city of Granada. Others feel the blossoms reflect exactly what they resemble: the flowering part of the squash plant, one of the essential crops grown throughout the Southwest.
Whichever interpretation you favor, the squash blossom necklace remains a powerful blend of artistry, culture, and history—an iconic piece that continues to be cherished for its beauty and meaning.
-Sterling silver
-Center Naja drop measures app. 2 1/4 " x 2 1/4 " in size
-12 Pomegranates each app. 1 1/4 " lo9ng and 1/2 " wide
-Silver beads measure 11 mm.
-Hook clasp with circle opening
-20 " long
Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace 20 " Long-
This beautiful squash blossom necklace carries one of the most meaningful and recognizable designs in Southwestern Native American jewelry. The style is believed to have originated with the Navajo, who were the first to adopt and develop the distinctive beads. By the early 1900s, the artistry had spread to neighboring tribes, including the Zuni and Pueblo. The necklace takes its name from a specific Navajo bead whose original name translates to “bead which spreads out.”
A traditional squash blossom necklace features three signature elements: smooth round beads, the flared beads often referred to as “blossoms,” and the striking crescent‑shaped pendant at the base known as the Naja.
There are two main interpretations of the design’s origins. Some believe the Navajo were inspired by the pomegranate motifs used by Spanish settlers—seen on decorative buttons and in artwork. In Spain, the pomegranate is a revered symbol, especially in the city of Granada. Others feel the blossoms reflect exactly what they resemble: the flowering part of the squash plant, one of the essential crops grown throughout the Southwest.
Whichever interpretation you favor, the squash blossom necklace remains a powerful blend of artistry, culture, and history—an iconic piece that continues to be cherished for its beauty and meaning.
-Sterling silver
-Center Naja drop measures app. 2 1/4 " x 2 1/4 " in size
-12 Pomegranates each app. 1 1/4 " lo9ng and 1/2 " wide
-Silver beads measure 11 mm.
-Hook clasp with circle opening
-20 " long
