Hello! I am hoping that there is someone who can help me identify this necklace. There are a lot of somewhat similar styles to be found online, however, from what I’m able to tell there are no markings of any kind on it. I would really like to try and sell it and need to make sure that I have some idea as to its value. I also have a pair of earrings to match the necklace, although I’m not sure if they were made to go with it originally because they are for pierced ears and if this necklace is as vintage as I think it is, I’m pretty sure clip-ons were the common style then. Anyway, I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, ideas and/or suggestions someone might have for me. Thanks for your time!
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The best thing you can do is get it appraised by a professional.
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@kck11775 Hi & Welcome. That’s a lovely turquoise necklace. For informational purposes, this isn’t a squash blossom necklace as there are no blossoms. I’d refer to these as turquoise stations on a silver bead necklace. Is there a hallmark or name anywhere on the necklace? Is it stamped sterling or .925? Just my opinion, I think the earrings are original to the necklace. Is there a reason you don’t? I feel that @Phoenix7 made an excellent suggestion about having the necklace appraised by a professional.
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Thank you for the welcome! After thoroughly examining both the necklace and earrings, I was only able to find the word sterling on the clasps of the earrings. However, I did check the metal with a magnet and it didn’t stick so I’m going to assume it’s all silver. Very tarnished silver. So, I do have one question. Would you recommend that I try to clean the silver before being appraised or leave it the way that it is? And, if I were to clean it, what would be the best way to do it so that I don’t damage the turquoise?
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Thank you for responding! Would you by chance have a recommendation as to who/where I could get it appraised?
leave it the way it is and let the new owner decide if they want to polish it.
send photos to auction houses for their auction value estimates
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Thank you to everyone who responded!
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Thanks for your response. I’d leave the necklace exactly as it is (as @Steve recommended, too). Leaving the patina on sterling silver or polishing it clean is a personal preference. Best to leave that up to the buyer. I’d try to find a reputable appraiser who has experience appraising Native American jewelry. Make a list of any questions you have about the jewelry to ask the appraiser. Good luck!
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Thank you very much!
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That is a beautiful necklace and earring set with natural turquoise and bench beads (machine made halves soldered together to make beads assembly line style). I would put it at 1970’s and say the earrings are almost definitely original to the necklace as they are such a good match. These small round stones in individual shadow box settings are sometimes referred to as “snake eye”. I would say the necklace is likely to be Zuni made. It’s not uncommon for necklaces like this to be unsigned, and as such it will be difficult to identify a specific maker, but someone might recognize the style and be able to attribute it based on that. I will private message you an appraiser that I trust who can provide a virtual appraisal for you.
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