What is the significance of the squash blossom in Native American jewelry?

What is the significance of the squash blossom in Native American jewelry?

As with many native cultures, wealth was often worn in the form of adornment, and in many early photographs of the Navajo and other Southwestern Native peoples, it is clear that Squash Blossom Necklaces were worn with pride and reverence for their beauty and inherent value.

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.

What does a squash blossom necklace represent?

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.”

Is Native American jewelry worth anything?

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.

How much do squash blossoms cost?

As it is a premium and fragile product when fresh, the blooms can be costly when ordered online, sometimes around $1 per piece and packed as 50-count minimum.

Can men wear squash blossom necklace?

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.

Where did squash blossom jewelry originate?

The Naja symbol – the impressive centerpiece of the squash blossom design – is said to have originated in the Middle East, where the Moors brought horse shoe shaped jewelry with them as a ward against the evil eye into Spain. From here, the Spanish conquistadors brought the symbol to the Navajo, who adopted it.

Is Native American jewelry stamped 925?

If it is stamped . 925 or SS, it is less likely to be Native American made because the traditional stamps say “Sterling.” However, on small items, such as rings, where there is little room to stamp anything, the shorter . 925 or SS stamp may be used by both native and non-native artists.

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.

What does old pawn mean in Native American jewelry?

“Old Pawn” is a term used for Native American jewelry, made by Native Americans, and worn by Native Americans, not for public production or the tourist trade. …

What is the value of a squash blossom necklace?

This Necklace appears to be an Authentic Native American made Squash Blossom Necklace. The Authentic Squash Blossom Necklaces are currently selling on the secondary market for an average of $2100.00-2500.00, depending on the condition and where they are for sell at.

What is squash blossom jewelry?

The squash blossom beads were fashioned after the pomegranate-shaped buttons on the pants worn by the Spanish. These beads were possibly misnamed long ago by a trader who thought they looked like squash blossoms. The squash blossom necklace today stands as a fusion of cultures and has become synonymous with Southwest American Indian jewelry.

What is a squash blossom?

squash blossom. noun. The yellow or orange edible flower of a squash plant, often stuffed and fried. A decorative motif used especially in Navajo and Pueblo jewelry, typically consisting of a stone or shell center with a fluted extension often resembling the flower of a squash plant.