This necklace just came to me from a friends mom who passed last year. I believe it to be a Navajo stamped sterling silver pearl bead necklace (my silver guy confirmed silver) It has a drop length of 9” and a total length of 18”. Beads go from 15mm down to 5 mm. Do dents and has good tarnished wear. Unsure of age. Maybe 60’s…. I have more photos, but this should show most of details. I’d love to know age and worth as this will determine if her my friend keeps it or sells it
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ebay sold results for Navajo graduated pearl necklace
your mileage may vary but not by too much
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Doesn’t look hand made. The patterns and bead halves look die struck. Unlikely 60’s. Best guess for age is anywhere from the 70’s to 90’s.
Manufactured. Not Navajo made, or “Navajo Pearls”.
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Darn it.
A lot of them are kind of eneven at the seam, so i thought “hand made”…..thank you for the input
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The borax based flux used becomes very liquid and slippery at soldering temps (think about as slippery as ice), so the halves can move around a bit as they’re being joined which can result in slightly uneven joints. The solder and flux solidify quickly as they’re cooling down, and the slight unevenness (if any) is then quickly affixed in the finished bead. This is likely what you’re seeing in terms of slight inconsistencies.
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Great explanation. So if not handmade is this necklace worth anything for me to sell on my vintage/antique Etsy site?? 9” hang length 19” total. Beads 5mm to 15mm
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Sure it is. Pieces like this have value, and stories in their own right and categories (Western and Southwestern Sterling Silver Jewelry). Many Etsy and Ebay vendors simply make up fantasy backstories for the jewelry they sell. Don’t fall into that trap as it may well come back to bite you, and can ruin your reputation. Check similar listings and price accordingly. Use AI the correct way to research the companies who made/make these items, and tell their stories in a compelling way.
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