Fox Squash Blossom Necklace

Traditional Southwest jewelry handmade by Silversmith Chad Barela

Sold Out Held in a private collection

Taken with this one? A piece in its spirit can still be made for you.

A hand-wrought sterling silver squash blossom pendant centered on a natural Fox turquoise stone, its green face veined with soft matrix and set in a hand-cut serrated bezel. The stone sits on a scalloped crowned with stamp work fine stamp work. Below hangs the squash blossom itself, a smooth hollow-formed silver bead opening into a fluted, hand-stamped petal. Strung on a black leather cord with two sliding beads for an adjustable length.

Hand-wroughtMatte finish

Date Made

2021

Stone

Fox Turquoise

Metal

Sterling silver

Length

N/A

Stone

Fox Turquoise

Mine

Fox Mine

Origin

Nevada

Mine Status

Inactive

Stone Story

Fox Turquoise comes from Lander County, Nevada — also known as the Cortez Mine — and was operated by Dowell Ward through the mid-20th century. At its peak it was one of Nevada's largest turquoise sources, producing roughly half a million pounds of material. The mine has been closed for many years, and what exists in the market today is existing stock — finite, no new material coming. The stone itself is known for its hardness and a color range that runs from green to blue-green with distinctive matrix patterns. Like Royston, it expresses itself diversely.

Second generation silversmith making heirloom quality jewelry true to Southwest tradition for over a decade. Chad's family has more than 200 years of history in New Mexico and you can see that heritage in his work.

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