I don’t know that mark. You might try posting this as an entirely new thread in the Identifying and Discovering thread.
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I couldn’t find that hallmark with a quick online search. You might try reposting this as a stand alone thread in either this category or in the Identifying and Discovering category.
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My mom bought this squash blossom in about 1974 at what she eats was a jewelry party. She hardly ever wore it. It’s been in storage. One stone fell off, but i have it.
I can’t find anything that looks like a makers mark.
She is curious if it has any value.
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Hello! I’m new with an urgent request to give me a ballpark evaluation for this authentic bear claw squash blossom and turquoise necklace. I don’t have the piece with me at the moment because I left it at a Native American trading post store in another state where I live some of the time. The necklace needed some repairs done to have it be sellable.
The owner of the trading post store - confirmed the bear claws are genuine. The piece is signed - but I can’t tell you what the signature is at the moment. The stones are Kingman. I also saved a picture of the listing card from when I originally purchased the necklace in 2015. It has some details.
The store is finished fixing the piece and they’re offering me very little in trade in value. But of course I realize all pricing is relative. Still I don’t want to give the piece away foolishly. Unfortunately the scrimshaw inlaid picture of the bear fell out and was lost. Also the dangling turquoise charm at the bottom is lost. I believe a professional Native American craftsman is repairing the piece and he has set a matching turquoise chunk to replace the bear face. I think they are removing any trace of that dangle
You can see what I paid for the piece in 2015 and I’m pretty sure that was a steal then. I’m hoping someone can say it is worth more than $915.
Thanks and best regards!
Here’s what I can show you.
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Hi @Divnanata, and welcome to the forum. That is a very nice necklace. High quality and handmade.
We don’t do appraisals here on the forum, but sites like Ebay and Etsy, and perhaps some auction sites and online sellers may have similar items you can compare. A photo of the back of the piece with the makers signature or hallmark would be helpful for the sleuths here on the forum who may be able to help you track down the maker.
This work is clearly by someone who is quite skilled, so once you have the makers name, the chances of finding similar pieces with current market pricing for comparison should be pretty good.
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Thank you for responding. I guess I’m going to have to do more research and I can’t do anything quickly.
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Hey everyone! I purchased the squash blossom from a second-hand store and am curious if it holds any value (beyond what I paid). Wondering if it’s authentic or maybe just a dupe. I don’t see any artist initials or markings on the back. I paid $100 for it so nothing too crazy. Let me know what you think!
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@VintageLover Hi & Welcome! That’s a nice squash blossom necklace. I’m not an appraiser, just my opinion ~ I think you did well for what you paid. It looks like the real deal. The naja looks cast to me. Not sure if the beads are handmade or machine made. Have you tried a magnet on the beads? Does it stick or fall off? It looks like turquoise though the top cab may have an issue. Hard to tell with photos sometimes.
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Hi @VintageLover, and welcome. This is a nice looking and well made piece. Naja looks sand cast, or possibly lost wax cast down from a sand cast original. Decent turquoise - possibly Persian - and nicely set. Beads are commercial production bench beads - machine stamped and hand soldered. The silversmith has done something interesting here by attaching handmade blossoms to the commercially made beads which gives it a sort of antique look. Very attractive. 70s or later.
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Hi @Patina thanks for the info! I just tried the magnet test and the magnet didn’t stick - is that good or bad? Also what do you mean when you say “top cab”? (Sorry this is new lingo for me!) I’ve posted photos of the closure below. Thanks again!
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Thank you for the helpful info @mmrogers! I love hearing everyone’s input on this treasure I found. Appreciate your response!
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You’re welcome! It’s good the magnet didn’t stick. Most likely it’s sterling silver & not just a base metal. By top cab, I just meant the turquoise stone located at the top of the naja. Thx for posting photos of the closure.
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@VintageLover : just to add to @Patina’s note, “cab” is an abbreviated form of cabochon, a gemstone that has been shaped and polished rather than cut into facets. In practice, “cabochon” often refers to domed stones – here referring to the large domed turquoise that was set into the naja.
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