Vintage Navajo Sterling Silver Bead Necklace with Naja Pendant and 10 Coin Charms
Length: 28 inches
Weight: 230 grams
Navajo beads: 7mm
This museum-worthy vintage Navajo necklace is a stunning representation of traditional Native American silversmithing. Handcrafted with meticulous detail, this piece weighs 230 grams and measures 28 inches in length (not including the pendant drop). At its heart lies a classic naja pendant, a crescent-shaped symbol rooted in Navajo culture, traditionally associated with protection and spiritual balance.
The naja is adorned with a beautifully aged greenish-blue turquoise cabochon, most likely Royston turquoise—a prized stone from Nevada, frequently used in vintage Navajo jewelry. Royston turquoise is known for its natural blue-to-green hues and matrix patterns. Over time, exposure to skin oils, sunlight, and air causes natural turquoise to oxidize, often giving it the beautiful greenish cast seen in this pendant—a hallmark of authentic vintage turquoise.
The necklace is strung with 7mm handmade Navajo bench beads, created using a traditional process: hand-cut silver discs are domed, drilled, soldered, and polished by hand—each bead with its own character. These are not machine-made—they carry warmth, texture, and the signature imperfections of true craftsmanship.
Adding to the meaning and symmetry are 10 vintage silver coins—five on each side. The thoughtful design includes two coins from each year: 1940 at the top and 1944 at the bottom, honoring both history and balance.
This is a true vintage Navajo piece, not a reproduction. Every detail—the handmade beads, symbolic naja, Royston turquoise, and curated coins—reflects the culture, history, and craftsmanship of the Navajo tradition.
Listing is for 1 necklace.