We make this trip twice each year (even though it's an 800 mile drive) because of this trader's amazing knowledge of older Native American jewelry, his unquestioned honesty and the wonderful selection of dead pawn jewelry that he always has available for sale.

Over the years we've bought and sold many pieces of vintage, Native American, handmade jewelry, but this necklace is probably the finest piece, made in this style, that we've ever been able to offer for sale.

We'll tell you what we can about this wonderful necklace but please see the pictures displayed below as they will describe it better than any words that we may write.

The necklace, including the jaclas, was made with about 215 very well matched, turquoise nuggets. There is one large turquoise bead that separates the upper portion of the necklace from the jaclas.

One thing that makes this piece different than many others is that the jaclas are not separate items that are tied onto the bottom of the necklace. They are simply extentions of the upper ten strands.

Giving you the measurements is a bit tricky but we'll explain as best we can.

With the strings tied together the total length of the necklace, including the jaclas, is 24".

With the strings untied the upper portion is 36" long and the jaclas are 5" long.

The necklace weighed in at a significant 226 grams (7.9 ounces).

Due to state laws that regulate what information pawn traders are allowed to give out we were unable to obtain the name of the artist that made the necklace. However we were told that the artist is Navajo and that he lives locally, on the Reservation. He said that the necklace was made during the late 1970's.

We also learned that the artist wanted to keep the necklace to wear at traditional ceremonial events. However the current economic situation prevented that from happening as the artist had to sell some of his jewelry to obtain money to put food on the table for his family.

Unfortunately, this has become quite common these days as the poor economy has hurt many of the Indian artists quite severely.

Despite it's age this old beauty is still in "like new" condition. Apparently the necklace was stored properly because the colors of the turquoise nuggets still are very well matched, and we don't see any chips or cracks. It also appears as if all of the heishi beads are still as they were when the necklace was made. Even the braided cords are still in terrific condition (it looks as if they may never have been untied).

NOTE: Serious offers will be considered.

NOTE: Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.