This rare Squash Blossom necklace was crafted in the early 1950's by renowned silversmith John Burnside (c. 1909-1988). John was active in jewelry making from the 1920's to the 1960's. The necklace features a beautiful naja, with stamped beads and blossoms. This piece is beautifully aged with a smooth patina on the silver. The necklace is hallmarked with his J B on back of the naja. Just beautiful on!
John is the brother of Tom Burnside who was mentioned in the early book by John Adair. They were from Pine Springs Az. and worked out of their home. John later worked for trader C.G. Wallace in Zuni, NM. A vintage piece of history of a Navajo silversmith and his work. An identical necklace was given to the Ohio University from Edwin L. and Ruth E. Kennedy and is held in the universities Kennedy Museum in their Southwest Native American Art Collection.
The naja measures 3 1/4" tall by 2 1/4" wide. The beads measure 24"long/ 12" each side.
