Neglected Squash Out of the Bag

Second post here - I’m on a roll!

I bought this dainty little squash blossom necklace several years ago from Turkey Mountain Traders. I was at my office and in a hurry to get to the gym one evening and when I took it off one of the ends came off and little beads flew everywhere. I scrambled to pick up as many as I could find (mottled gray carpet!) before the cleaners vacuumed that night. Everything went into a plastic bag and from there into the back of my closet. I assumed that the whole thing would have to be restrung and just wasn’t up to dealing with that project.

I’ve recently revived my interest in my NA collection and got up the courage to examine the squash situation. It turned out that the little split ring that connected the foxtail to the clasp had escaped the wire/chain. I have some appropriate tools because I went through a pearl string phase. I actually have some split ring pliers! So this precious baby is back together again :slight_smile: Sadly, a few beads must have been lost, so I evened up the count on both sides.

At 22 inches long and 104 g. it’s very wearable. I suspect it’s an older work. The beads appear to be hand made. There are small holes in the naja where the silver was worked. (An apprentice piece, perhaps?) 4 petals on each blossom.

So this little lovely is out of the bag and into my jewelry rotation. I’m going to enjoy this one!!!

And here it is back in use. Just my size!

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Fantastico. I love the vintage squash blossom necklaces with the “plate” style najas, my term for the cast silver ones with an arc of turquoise settings. When you bought it, did Steve state its era? I’m guessing 40s-50s but am curious how the shop dated it. The petite scale and beautiful design are up my alley! Thanks for sharing.

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Chi farmer - the receipt unfortunately was lost in a (small) house fire, so I don’t have the documentation. But I seem to remember an age estimate of '30s-'40s.

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This happened to me too. I found all but one bead and wear it missing one bead. No one is the wiser.
Your squash looks great on you. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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Beautiful squash. I like the ;length of it and the style.

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This is really pretty!
I haven’t seen one like it before…unusual!

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What a beauty! I love everything about it, including its uniqueness. It’s also perfect on you. :heart:

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Thank you all for the compliments. I feel a bit guilty for keeping it incarcerated all these years, but I intend to give it plenty of fresh air from now on.

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