WE ALL NEED A FEW FASHION FORMULAS IN OUR BACK POCKET FOR THOSE NOTHING-TO-WEAR DAYS. TRIED AND TESTED, THE SQUASH BLOSSOM NECKLACE IS A SUREFIRE WINNER NO MATTER WHAT YOUR STYLE.

This outstanding vintage squash blossom necklace and matching earrings 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 20 gradient squash blossoms, affixed with spacers, each containing an oval turquoise cabochon set in a simple bezel and frame, accented by sterling silver drops and shell-stamped tips. The silver naja contains 12 smaller oval stones anchored by a matching blossom 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.)

• artist: Fred Thompson, deceased
• affiliation: Navajo
• hallmarks: trader's code: RMUZZ,TT (with ~ mark below)
• materials: sterling silver, turquoise
• measurements: length: 25", naja: 2 3/4" x 2 1/4", hanging length: 15", earrings: 1" x 1/2"
• weight: necklace: 220 grams, earrings: 10 grams
• closure: hook & eye, french wire
• nice vintage condition
• stones are secure in their settings
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina
• light wear from use
• style: JN1981