Hello Turquoise People!
I purchased this piece online because it’s something I’ll wear, and I love how some of it looks imperfect, and old whether it is or not. I’m also really into the metaphysical aspects of stones, resins like amber, and shells, and I was looking for white mother of pearl in particular and found this lovely Naja, and it seemed to tick all the boxes for me.
I also got it for what I thought was a decent deal, but I’d like to see what some of you experts think about it. (Anyone have a window of what something like this would go for in a pawn shop in New Mexico)? I’d like to know if I REALLY got a good deal.
It was sold as being made between the 60’s and 70’s. Also it was said to be guaranteed sterling and sandcasted. The seller also offers to get authentication from a jeweler for an extra 40 bucks but I figured if they offered it then what they say must be true. Was I being naive?
There is no stamp, hallmark or mark on the back. To me it does appear to be sandcast. The Naja is 3 and 1/4 in length and 2 and 1/4th in width. A good large size, and that’s what I wanted.
The Navajo pearls are 26 inches in length. They are probably bench beads, that’s what’s usual, but most of the photos I didn’t post, blur on enlargement, however there are some areas on the beads that appear to me to be irregular and I can see a few lips at the holes as though they’ve been punched from the inside. When I do enlarge the other photos I have, I can faintly see what looks like file marks near the seams. Am I wishful thinking, perhaps?
I have no idea who the artist could be, but the feeling I get is that it is definitely Native American made.
I would be grateful for any assistance or information you can tell me to dispute or verify. Either way, I do love this piece and that’s what matters most, but of course, knowing I might be getting better at choosing better quality pieces would make me happy.
Well, theres always room to learn and grow and I welcome it!
Thanks ahead of time!