Navajo Turquoise Nugget Necklace Value Guide

This traditional Navajo necklace showcases the raw beauty of rough-cut turquoise nuggets, a style that gained significant popularity between 1960 and 1980. Reflecting a mid-19th-century evolution of silversmithing, these pieces emphasize the natural, organic form of the stone over precise lapidary shaping.

What affects the value of Navajo Turquoise Nugget Necklace?

• The quality and color saturation of the turquoise nuggets significantly impact the $250-$400 price range.
• The weight and purity of the sterling silver beads used as spacers between the stones.
• Overall condition and provenance, specifically items dating from the peak 1960-1980 production era.
• The size and uniformity of the nuggets, with larger or more uniquely patterned stones commanding higher market value.

How to Identify Navajo Turquoise Nugget Necklace?

• Examine the turquoise for natural matrix patterns and a rough-cut 'nugget' texture characteristic of 1960s-1980s Navajo craftsmanship.
• Check for the presence of authentic sterling silver beads interspersed between the turquoise stones.
• Look for signs of hand-stringing and traditional Navajo construction techniques consistent with United States origin.
• Verify that the stones show minimal shaping, preserving the original character of the turquoise as intended by the silversmith.

History of Navajo Turquoise Nugget Necklace

Navajo silversmiths began incorporating turquoise into their jewelry in the mid-19th century, drawing inspiration from both Spanish and Zuni traditions. This style of 'nugget' necklace became popular, showcasing the natural beauty of the turquoise stone with minimal shaping.