That makes more sense, thanks! I hear what you’re saying, and I still am drawn to older pieces. I think where for me the line is drawn is that I still prefer things that are not super modern looking.
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Thank you, Steve, and to all that have contributed thus far. 
Being able to converse openly with differing viewpoints is indicative of great community, and this is one I’m grateful to be a part of. 
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In my opinion, your impeccable taste leans towards the traditional look, Zia. The few times I’ve spent time with you, and from everything you’ve shared here, it’s easy to tell that you prefer pieces that tip their hat to the old ways.
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Talking with the trading post/shop owners has been one of the things that drew me into this wonderful Native American art world. Unfortunately many of shops where I had these conversations have since closed. I think that’s why I was so thrilled with Twin Rocks; they are continuing their family legacy, and they have a deep connection with the artists; they know their families, they know where they live, they care about them, and they are actively trying to encourage the growth of the different art forms (they’re known especially for their work with the local basket makers). I know there are still many left like Perry Null that I need to visit, but Twin Rocks is in a quiet out of the way area, and we were the only ones in the store at the time, so the owner had a lot of time to chat. One of the best conversations I ever had was with one of the owners at Tanner Chaney in Old Town ABQ, and that store is still open, so I think I’ll have to pop back in there someday.
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Two-seater, please. 
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That’s the one! It’s beautiful. But OMG please don’t feel bad! I couldn’t afford it, and I can’t imagine a better home for it. Plus maybe one day we’ll cross paths, at Whitehawk or the Eiteljorg (I’ve never been but hope to go one of these years when I’m not able to make it out to Santa Fe or the Heard) and I will get to admire it in person. And when I’m ready for my second phase belt the right one will be out there for me.
I’ve always loved the look of a second phase belt with a great cast buckle, and I think that’s part of what attracted me to this belt. Of course, the buckles are never original, so I could add a buckle of my choosing to the right belt to get this look.
Thanks for your kind compliments on my collection.
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I was going to place this in The Elusive Naja , then I thought it would be a great candidate for Turquoise Discoveries , but after pondering the idea of this thread, I felt it was another perfect example of what gets my motor running.
The bracelet is nice, and unique, but this squash blossom is probably the finest, in my opinion, that I’ve ever seen outside of museum collections. The filed, four petal blossoms, the double crescent naja with close, stamped terminals, and the repurposed stone in its beautifully flat and thick bezel make this one an absolute show stopper, for me.
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Don’t forget the killer patina color.
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I intentionally left a few descriptors out of my reaction to see who would say what. 
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Gobsmacked. Not sure I’ve ever seen filed petals! (Or did I just never notice them before? 
) Filed blossom tabs, definitely. In any case this is powerful in its presence, and unique. If you feel like adding a pic of the reverse of the naja and the bar with the set turquoise, I’d love to see it. Whatta find!
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I really wish that was possible, Chic, but that isn’t my photo. While it is exemplary of the idea behind this thread and what I’m pursuing, I just thought it should be shared.
I’ve been letting opportunities to purchase decent pieces pass by, trying to become more disciplined, so as to be prepared for the time that a squash blossom or concho belt that has a similar 
effect on me becomes available.
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Those are some great old pieces in your collection. You have a good eye.
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Just amazing 
(20 characters)
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Thank you, Steve, but that squash blossom and bracelet aren’t mine. The necklace serves as an example of a goal for me, but we’ll see.
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@TAH is killer Patina like a femme fatale?
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Help me to understand why these are referred to as “filed” petals. They look like cut notches to me that were created on purpose. I guess I think of filing as an action taken to smooth out a (rough) surface.
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The notches in the petals and tabs look to be cut with the corner of a file. You’re certainly correct in thinking that filing is a method used to smooth a surface, but the corners of an “all edge” file are wonderful for notching and cutting grooves, similar to what’s presented on that squash blossom, and the tabs on this beauty…
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The even spacing suggests they were probably made with a checkering file.
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Oh yes created on purpose. Filing in old silver wasn’t only a technique to smooth things out; it was one of the tools to add surface detail. Paula Baxter: “Patterning was done with files, cold-chisel cutting and stamping, and rocker and scratch engraving” (Navajo and Pueblo Jewelry Design 1870-1945 p. 51). Files were even used to create stamps and curved shapes. The earliest and highest-quality squash blossoms have filed tabs at the end of the blossoms where they join the silver beads. Surprising (to me, anyway) to see that treatment to the petals themselves.
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You’re not alone in this, and I think it makes that one highly unique.
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