Buzz
Squash blossom necklaces are exquisite adornments closely linked with the Navajo and Zuni tribes. These timeless pieces date back centuries and continue to be handcrafted by Indigenous artisans today. With the prevalence of counterfeit jewelry, it's crucial to scrutinize each necklace for evidence of artisanal craftsmanship and material quality. Before making a purchase, take proactive steps to educate yourself on evaluating different pieces.
Essential Knowledge
- Opt for purchasing directly from reputable Native American artists to ensure the authenticity of your squash blossom necklace.
- Inspect the necklace's reverse side for the silversmith's signature, revealing the creator's identity.
- If a magnet adheres to the necklace, it likely has a silver plating, whereas genuine squash blossom necklaces are sterling silver.
- Examine beneath the turquoise stones for any stamped marks, as their absence indicates a counterfeit piece.
Procedures
Evidence of Authentic Craftsmanship
Acquire squash blossom necklaces directly from artisans or reputable dealers. While the allure of purchasing intricate, handcrafted jewelry from online auctions may be strong, it often leads to disappointment. To minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit items, exclusively engage with established jewelry dealers or the artisans themselves. To verify the authenticity of the artist, consult online registries listing reputable businesses and artists specializing in Native American jewelry across America.
- For a comprehensive directory, visit: https://www.doi.gov/iacb/state-and-country-listings.
- The American Southwest, particularly New Mexico, is a hotspot for genuine artists and businesses.
Fun Fact: Squash blossom necklaces boast several distinctive elements, often featuring sterling silver beads and inlaid turquoise stones. The focal point of these necklaces is the prominent curved pendant, known as the Naja symbol.
Inspect the back of the necklace for the silversmith’s signature. Turn the squash blossom necklace over to scrutinize its underside. Although these necklaces incorporate various beads, trinkets, and a central pendant, you may discover an engraved signature, or “hallmark,” on the piece. When purchasing from a different dealer or business, seek guidance from knowledgeable sales associates regarding the artisan's identity.
- Modern necklaces from the 20th or 21st century might feature engravings such as “SS” or “sterling” on the jewelry piece, indicating its authenticity.
Assess the price tag for signs of unusually low cost. Genuine handmade squash blossom necklace sets often command prices upwards of $1,500, with individual pendants fetching over $300. Suspiciously low prices, such as $100, are indicative of counterfeit products.
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- Inquire whether the seller has recently sold numerous squash blossom necklaces. Frequent offerings, especially on a weekly basis, suggest inauthenticity, as genuine pieces are intricate and time-consuming to create.
Look for indications of “style” in the product description. Review the necklace's listing and check if it's referred to as “Indian-” or “Native American-style.” US law prohibits non-Native sellers from using terms like “Native American,” “Indian,” “Navajo,” or other tribal names in their listings, so counterfeit necklaces might be labeled as “Indian-style” jewelry. If you encounter this label, recognize that the product isn’t genuine.
- Non-Native artisans and craft businesses are legally barred from selling items with tribal labels. If you suspect an independent business is selling fake squash blossom necklaces (or any Native craft), contact the Indian Arts and Crafts Board at 1-888-278-3253.
Analyzing Necklace Quality
Inspect vintage necklaces for signs of wear. Examine the individual components of the squash blossom necklace, including beads, squash blossoms, stones, and pendants. If you're considering a vintage piece, look for scuffs, scratches, and overall tarnishing. Authentic vintage pieces shouldn't appear shiny or lightly used.
- A squash blossom necklace from the 19th century will invariably exhibit signs of wear and tarnish.
Use a small magnet to test for sterling silver. Hold a small magnet near the metal jewelry's edge. Wait briefly to see if the magnet adheres to the necklace or remains unaffected. Keep in mind that sterling silver isn't magnetic and won't attract the magnet. If the magnet does stick, it suggests silver plating, which does react to magnets.
- Most contemporary squash blossom necklaces feature sterling silver. While silver-plated jewelry isn't necessarily counterfeit, it may indicate an inauthentic item.
- Silver plating typically contains nickel, causing it to be magnetic.
- Vintage necklaces might be crafted from silver ingots, created by melting coins and slugs.
Review the product description for details on turquoise authenticity. Examine whether the necklace contains stabilized or natural turquoise stones. Stabilized stones are modified for durability, while natural turquoise remains unaltered. Authentic squash blossom necklaces typically use natural turquoise.
- US law mandates that sellers disclose the type of turquoise in their jewelry.
- While there isn't a foolproof test for turquoise authenticity, the item description can provide valuable clues. For example, turquoise 'blocks' are often indicative of fake stones.
Fun Fact: Traditional Navajo squash blossom necklaces from the 19th and early 20th centuries typically had minimal turquoise, featuring silver beads and squash blossom elements. The introduction of more turquoise stones by the Zuni tribe led to the abundance of turquoise in modern necklaces.
Inspect the underside of the necklace for stamping indications. Flip the jewelry piece over to search for any mechanical marks or indentations beneath the turquoise stones. Consistent grooves or markings beneath the inlays suggest machine stamping, indicating a counterfeit item.
- Authentic necklaces often exhibit irregular stamping marks and slight impressions from hammering.
Verify the attachment of inlaid stones to identify authentic craftsmanship. Examine the turquoise stones incorporated into the squash blossom necklace. Genuine pieces will utilize natural materials like sand for securing, whereas counterfeit jewelry resorts to inferior adhesives.
- To ensure thorough examination, consult a jeweler or knowledgeable dealer.
