Kingman Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace by Brenda Jimenez

While the entire necklace has taken its name from one type of bead, the classic squash blossom necklace actually has three distinct parts: the plain round beads; the round beads with the “petals,” so to speak; and the crescent-shaped pendant at the bottom called the Naja. The squash blossom necklace is a reflection of history, art and culture.

This impeccable squash blossom necklace by Brenda Jiminez features twelve sizeable nuggets of Kingman turquoise in varying shapes and shades of blue with squash blossom bead attachments. The naja is composed of one large spiderwebbed piece of Kingman flanked by two ovals at the bottom. 

Navajo silversmith Brenda Jimenez is from the Bitter Water Clan, which is part of the Navajo Nation. She grew up with four brothers and four sisters in Smith Lake, New Mexico. Brenda began to work with silver when she was 11 yrs old, under the watchful eye of her mother, Lorraine Barbone.

• Measurements: Smallest squash blossom bead piece with turquoise measures 3/4" wide, 1 3/4" long, largest measures 1 1/8" wide and 2" long, naja measures 3" wide and 2 5/8" long. Stone setting height varies between 1/4" and 3/8" high, necklace measures 24 1/2" from end to end when unhooked.
• Hallmarks: Sterling, B. Jiminez