Navajo Bench Bead Necklace Value Guide

This Navajo Bench Bead necklace is a quintessential example of Southwestern silversmithing from the 1970-1985 era. Known as 'Navajo Pearls,' these sterling silver beads represent a meticulous handcrafted tradition where two domed halves are soldered together to create a seamless aesthetic.

What affects the value of Navajo Bench Bead Necklace?

• The quality and consistency of the soldering seam across all sterling silver beads.
• The overall length of the necklace and the diameter of the individual bench beads.
• The condition of the silk string and whether the necklace requires professional restringing.
• Market demand for authentic 1970s-1980s Southwestern jewelry, currently valued near $145-$160.

How to Identify Navajo Bench Bead Necklace?

• Look for a visible seam around the center of each bead, indicating the two-piece 'bench bead' construction.
• Verify the presence of a traditional handmade hook and eye closure, typical of 20th-century Navajo craftsmanship.
• Check for the original silk stringing, which provides a softer drape than modern steel wire.
• Inspect the hand-punched holes for slight irregularities that distinguish them from machine-made mass production.

History of Navajo Bench Bead Necklace

These beads are often referred to as Navajo Pearls. Traditionally, Navajo silversmiths created these beads by hand-punching holes in silver discs and soldering two halves together. The 'bench bead' style became a staple of Southwestern jewelry throughout the 20th century, representing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and trade-influenced designs.