This GORGEOUS Squash Blossom Necklace was created by Navajo Silversmith Willie Haley. The Haley Family has been working for the Atkinson Trading Co since the early 1970's. They are credited with making the Beautiful Hand Benched Silver Beads used in Navajo Pearls & in Squash Blossoms. 

This Necklace is light weight & more comfortable to wear then most chunky Squash Blossom Necklaces. It is extremely detailed & features Beautiful SLEEPING BEAUTY TURQUOISE set in Sterling Silver.  It is 18" in length. 

NAJA measures 1 3/4" wide

Stamped W HALEY

HISTORY 

The inverted crescent pendant on squash-blossom necklaces, called the 'Naja' ( NA-HA) by the Navajo,  is found in various design forms throughout the world cultures.  The Naja was put on the horse headstall, the front center band of the horse bridle, and later, the Naja moved into the realm of necklaces to protect both themselves and their horses from 'the evil eye'.

 It is believed that the flower symbol that we commonly see in necklaces was brought to the Navajo around the 1890's.  The blossom is a representation of the Spanish-Mexican pomegranate and a variation of this design can be found in the designs from Granada, Spain.

As time has progressed, both the squash blossoms and the Naja have developed into various designs and styles.  Today, these necklaces continue to develop past the traditional silver and turquoise elements and are moving into gold, diamonds and other materials of interest and great beauty.