Naja Pendant Necklace Value Guide
- Period
- 1970-1990
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- Silver-toned metal, turquoise
- Category
- Naja pendant
This Naja Pendant Necklace, dating from 1970-1990, represents a significant cultural icon in Southwestern jewelry design. Featuring a classic crescent shape adorned with multiple turquoise stones, it reflects the enduring legacy of Navajo craftsmanship and the historical influence of Spanish-Moorish symbols in the United States.
What affects the value of Naja Pendant Necklace?
- The quality and color consistency of the multiple turquoise stones significantly impact the $75-$90 valuation.
- Overall condition of the silver-toned finish, including the presence of any pitting or heavy oxidation from the 1970-1990 era.
- The intricacy of the Naja design and its historical accuracy as a representation of traditional Navajo-inspired motifs.
- Market demand for vintage Southwestern-style accessories from the late 20th century.
How to Identify Naja Pendant Necklace?
- Examine the crescent-shaped Naja pendant for multiple inset turquoise stones characteristic of late 20th-century Southwestern styles.
- Verify the silver-toned metal construction, which was common for commercial and artisan pieces produced between 1970 and 1990.
- Check for the specific 'Naja' silhouette, a traditional protective symbol originally introduced to the Americas by the Spanish.
- Look for signs of wear consistent with its 30 to 50-year age, particularly on the pendant's bail and the stone settings.
History of Naja Pendant Necklace
The Naja, a crescent-shaped symbol, has deep roots in Native American jewelry, particularly among the Navajo. Originally an ancient Moorish symbol, it was introduced to the Americas by the Spanish and adopted by various Southwestern tribes. Often associated with protection and good luck, it became a central element in Squash Blossom necklaces, representing a powerful cultural icon and artistic expression.
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