This outstanding vintage squash blossom necklace is the work of a highly-revered Navajo jewelry artisan, the late Fred Thompson, so needless to say, this is a piece for the true collector -- and it is a statement piece! The double-strand of desert pearls features a whopping 16 gradient squash blossoms, affixed with spacers, each containing a teardrop turquoise cabochon set in a simple bezel and frame, accented by sterling silver drops and shell-stamped tips. The silver naja contains 6 smaller oval stones anchored by a larger triangular stone and finished with a matching triangular turquoise dangle.
It’s a vibrant statement piece. Wear it with jeans and a tee or dress it up for the office - a classic squash blossom necklace is always in style.
Fred Thompson(1921 - 2002; Navajo). Active 1936-1990s. Traditional, multiple styles. Cast work; stamp work; heavy pieces; channel inlay; chip inlay; turquoise, coral; stone sets. Made his own stamps. Silversmith forTobe Turpen’s Indian Trading Companybeginning in 1936 and perhapsBorrego Pass Trading Post. He may have collaborated with Leekya Deyues and with Mary Morgan (who also worked forTobe Turpen Trading Post). He also operated his own shop in Church Rock, NM.
Marks: FRED THOMPSON; a tilde mark (may also be marked for Tobe Turpen’s Indian Trading Company.)
