The turquoise squash blossom necklace draws its origin from the Native Americans. The piece of jewelry was first used by the early Moorish and Spanish communities and takes in a crescent shape that can be divided into two parts to make a Naja and a squash blossom.
Turquoise squash blossom necklace would then have to be highly decorated and interwoven using both squash blossoms and silver beads by a silversmith. The more beads there were in a given turquoise squash blossom necklace, the more highly regarded and sophisticated it would be.
The modern day turquoise squash blossom necklace is ultimately believed to have borrowed its design and style from the traditional one. This can be confirmed from the early photographs and drawings of the Native Americans who wore this specific necklace.
The Traditional vs. the Modern Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace
The modern day turquoise squash blossom necklace can be distinguished from the original because there has been a change in design. For instance, the original turquoise squash blossom necklace would be designed using different local available materials such as coins, beads, and crosses but the modern ones use different kinds of materials such as precious stones and metals such as gold, lapis, malachite, and gaspeite, among others.
But, despite having these contemporary turquoise squash blossom necklaces in the market, it’s worth noting that some of the Native American communities still continue to make their own that have more traditional features. At the same time, there are some turquoise squash blossom necklaces that are unique for they are a blend of the two; the traditional and the modern turquoise squash blossom necklace.
Different Uses of the Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace
The contemporary turquoise squash blossom necklace is highly distinct from the Native Americans ones. Some of the features that differentiate the two include the following:
The traditional turquoise squash blossom necklaces were made using locally made materials such as beads, coins, and silver and with a pendant but the modern ones are made using more sophisticated materials like precious stones and metals. Traditional necklaces were also heavier.
Native Americans wore the turquoise squash blossom necklace for identity purposes, whereas in the present day, the necklace is usually worn as a piece of fashionable jewelry.
There is also a variance with the pricing. Although the contemporary turquoise squash blossom necklace is quite expensive, the traditional ones, which are viewed as being antique jewelry, may also sell at quite an expensive price.