Squash Blossom Help ID


I am hoping to identify the artist and type of turquoise this beautiful necklace has. The initials are DH, but there are no sterling marks anywhere on this peice. Not sure of the history, other than my cousin gave this to me two years ago. Also, was there ever a time that it was not required or preferred to put STERLING on a peice of jewelry? Looking forward to your replies.



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Only sterling gets the stamp in modern jewelry. The metal could be nickel, hence no stamp: has it been tested for silver content? The pics are too blurry to enlarge well, but what I’m seeing gives the impression of supply shop low grade components vs. handmade.

The nature of the turquoise-colored stones also is not apparent from the pictures. If you want to try again, add closeups, and use natural light instead of flash.

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The flash is causing a lot of reflection and making it hard to see. There is one picture that looks like the beads have a vertical seam. This is usually an indication that the beads are not sterling.

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I will repost pictures Monday when I get back to my shop. Thank you.

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Tested and it is nickle, sad about that. The DH signature on it has left me stumped. I could not get any pictures that were any better than the originals I posted, so that’s out the window. I may take this to Arizona when I go next week. Are there any shops or artists in Mesa that anyone would recommend to talk to?

I couldn’t find the hallmark. Just may remain a mystery. I don’t know of any shops in Mesa. There are more shops in Scottsdale, but doesn’t mean the people behind the counter necessarily know that much. I’m pretty careful where I go. If you are in Sedona you might have better luck there. Garlands is a great shop.

I agree with @chicfarmer’s comments, and not sure the stones are real turquoise.

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The hallmark is really incidental to understanding this necklace, which evidence so far points to as being something very modest in value.

If you go to Scottsdale, the people at Territorial Indian Arts or Dennis June would be able to accurately give feedback. Agree with @Ziacat about Garland’s in Sedona. Sorry I’m unfamiliar with Mesa.

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Good to know about that shop you mentioned in Scottsdale; I may be in Phoenix next spring, but haven’t actually been in Scottsdale in years (even though my friend lives fairly close). Seems like we usually visit in the summer, and quickly head north out of Phoenix!

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Sorry to say that Dennis June has passed. About a year ago I believe.

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Thanks for the info. I meant the DJ Gallery itself, which was still operating when I was there last September and seems to have web presence.

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Yes they are on FB. His widow is among my FB friends. :hugs:

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Love this community! Thank you for the information. We may be going to Sedona, so I will check out Garlands for sure!!

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