Vintage 1940s Dimes Navajo Naja Necklace

Just think about what was happening in the 1940s...wow!  Six real mercury dimes with dates in the 1940s surround a tufa cast naja set with natural Godber turquoise.  The beads are all handmade, as is the hook and eye clasp.  This is a petite necklace that has so much style! 

This necklace came from a vintage collection of Native American jewelry we purchased, and our estimate is that this necklace was made in the 1950s.  It has been lightly polished.

Size: 20.25" - Naja 2" H x 21.5" W - Dimes .675" Diameter

The naja is a prominent symbol in Navajo and Zuni jewelry and is always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  I was told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands on each end.