Doris and Warren Ondelacy: Squash Blossom Necklace

It is impossible to get a feel for the size of this fabulous necklace. A man 6'5" could wear this necklace due to its immense size (It would make a fantastic wall hanging in a shadow box also). The naja itself is 4 3/8 inches across and the total length of the necklace is just over 20 inches; but the most impressive aspect of this necklace is the 245 matched stones from the Lone Mountain mine. Necklaces this size were often worn by five-foot-tall Indian ladies during ceremonials and pow-wows in 1960s. A necklace of this kind represented wealth and was one of the few ways that Native American women could exhibit their riches and prosperity. (JH)