Necklace, Squash Blossom, Elvis Presley's Personal Collection, Turquoise, COA, Vintage, ‘70s, 1496

ELVIS PRESLEY'S PERSONALLY-OWNED TURQUOISE AND STERLING SILVER SQUASH BLOSSOM NECKLACE GIFTED TO SHAUN NIELSEN W/AFFIDAVIT OF AUTHENTICITY AND REFERENCE PHOTOS. 

This Native American turquoise and sterling silver squash blossom necklace was personally owned by Elvis Presley. The necklace is crafted of sterling silver "Navajo Pearl" beads and cones resembling an actual flower of the squash plant running down each side, and is finished with 14mm-28mm turquoise. Elvis was often seen wearing spectacular pieces of Native American jewelry such as this throughout the 1970s, and was photographed wearing similar pieces on many occasions. The necklace comes with an Affidavit of Authenticity from Shaun Nielsen, who was a singer in a group Elvis organized named "Voice" and a backup singer on Elvis' gospel album "How Great Thou Art". Nielsen and Elvis became friends during this time, and Nielsen was with Elvis as a singer until Elvis' final show. The letter from Nielsen states in part, "This sterling silver squash blossom necklace was one of Elvis favorite necklaces and in the early seventies he took to wearing American Indian sterling silver jewelry...After one of our gospel singing sessions we would often do after a show in Vegas, Elvis gave me this necklace early one morning." The lot will also come with reference photos of Elvis wearing similarly styled pieces.