Vintage Navajo Turquoise Squash Blossom (1970s)

This is the kind of piece you recognize immediately.

The weight, the stones, the way everything is just slightly imperfect in the best way—it has that presence that doesn’t need explaining.

It dates to the 1970s, and carries all the qualities of that period—substantial silver, strong stonework, and a hand that hasn’t been refined away.

The turquoise is exceptional—each stone completely its own, with that mix of blue and deep brown matrix that doesn’t feel matched or manufactured. It was built around the stones, not designed first and filled in later.

The silverwork follows that same hand. Twisted wire, leaf details, and a naja that isn’t trying to be perfect—just right. It hasn’t been over-polished or cleaned up to look new, and I’ve left it that way.

Squash blossom necklaces like this have been part of Navajo silversmithing since the late 1800s, evolving from earlier Spanish and Moorish forms into something distinctly their own. Traditionally worn as a sign of wealth and status, they carry both presence and history in a way few pieces do.

This one has that feeling. Heavy, grounded, and meant to be worn.

Part of the Ziabird Vault—a small, personal edit of pieces I’ve held onto and am now releasing selectively.

Details:

• Vintage Navajo squash blossom necklace (1970s)
• Natural turquoise stones (varied matrix and tone)
• Handmade, oxidized Navajo pearl beads
• Hand-fabricated sterling silver
• Substantial weight and presence
• One-of-a-kind