Vintage Navajo sterling silver bench bead squash blossom necklace. The Naja and blossoms are set with pearly white mother-of-pearl. Necklace is 36" long. There are 10 blossoms that measures 1 1/2" long. All stones are embellished with raindrops. The Naja measures 2 1/2" by 2 5/8". 

The Hogan beads are 6.8mm in diameter. 

In my opinion this necklace has been restrung and beads have been replaced. There are two styles of beads both the same size and both early with the holes hand poked from the inside out before the halves were soldered together. To me, it looks like the original beads have the visible solder seam at the center and these beads have more tarnish. The beads with a smooth solder have less tarnish and I do believe that they are early Mexican beads. (Mexicans and Spanish silversmiths did teach the Navajo silversmithing a long time ago) See close up photos of the beads. Just my opinion, but I have handled a lot of silver. 

Weight: Aprrox. 4 3/4 ounces 

BV517