Navajo Turquoise Pendant Value Guide

This mid-century Navajo pendant showcases a prominent turquoise stone, a gem historically prized by the Diné for its spiritual protection and promise of good fortune. Crafted between 1950 and 1970, it represents a specific era of Southwestern jewelry where traditional stone-setting met ornate gold-tone metalwork.

What affects the value of Navajo Turquoise Pendant?

• The quality and saturation of the turquoise stone, including the presence of a desirable matrix.
• The preservation of the gold-tone finish and the lack of significant pitting or corrosion on the metal frame.
• The intricacy of the metalwork, with more detailed or ornate designs commanding prices toward the $150 range.
• The provenance and physical condition of the stone, specifically looking for cracks or stabilization.

How to Identify Navajo Turquoise Pendant?

• Examine the turquoise for natural matrix patterns and color variations typical of mid-century American mines.
• Inspect the ornate gold-tone frame for hand-stamped patterns or unique Navajo metal-smithing techniques.
• Look for signs of age-appropriate wear on the metal finish consistent with the 1950-1970 production era.
• Verify the setting style, as Navajo artisans often used sawtooth or plain bezels to secure the central turquoise stone.

History of Navajo Turquoise Pendant

Turquoise has been prized by the Navajo people for centuries, not only for its striking beauty but also for its spiritual significance. Believed to offer protection and good fortune, turquoise has been incorporated into jewelry and ceremonial items for generations. This pendant reflects the rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship of Navajo artisans.