A breathtaking example of traditional Southwestern Native American silversmithing, this Native-made squash blossom necklace by artist E.B. Smith is an heirloom-quality work of wearable art. Handcrafted in sterling silver and genuine Royston Turquoise, this substantial statement necklace showcases an extraordinary collection of individually selected turquoise stones surrounded by detailed, dimensional silverwork.

The traditional squash blossom necklace is one of the most recognizable forms in Southwestern Native jewelry, historically distinguished by its silver beads, flared squash blossom elements and prominent crescent-shaped centerpiece known as the naja. Museum collections document these same defining elements, with the naja serving as the visual centerpiece of the composition.

This particular piece is especially striking because Royston Turquoise takes center stage throughout the entire design. The necklace features an incredible assortment of natural green and blue-green Royston Turquoise cabochons, each displaying its own individual coloration, matrix and host-rock character. Shades range from soft sage and apple green to richer emerald and blue-green tones, creating beautiful variation from stone to stone.

Running along both sides of the necklace are individually constructed turquoise-set squash blossom stations, separated and framed by rows of oxidized sterling silver beads. Each oval turquoise cabochon is bezel-set and surrounded by detailed silverwork, including twisted-wire borders, dimensional silver drops and stamped floral-style accents.

The naturally varied stones make the piece especially captivating—rather than attempting to make every stone identical, the composition celebrates the individual character of genuine Royston Turquoise.

The Multi-Stone Naja

The centerpiece is an impressive turquoise-set naja, the traditional crescent-shaped element that anchors a squash blossom necklace.

The Smithsonian describes the naja as the crescent centerpiece of this jewelry form, while museum collections document examples constructed with multiple turquoise stones set throughout the crescent—making multi-stone naja an appropriate collector-oriented description for this piece.

E.B. Smith has transformed the naja into a showcase for Royston Turquoise, arranging numerous individually bezel-set cabochons around its sweeping crescent silhouette. Larger stones transition into progressively smaller stones toward the ends, while additional stones accent the upper center of the composition.

Suspended within the open center is an additional turquoise drop, creating subtle movement and giving the naja another layer of dimension.

Small sterling silver drops and bead accents separate the turquoise settings throughout the naja, allowing each stone to remain individually defined while maintaining the balance and symmetry of the overall composition.

Exceptional Native Silversmithing

What makes this necklace exceptional is not simply the amount of turquoise—it is the way E.B. Smith has constructed the entire piece as one cohesive composition.

From the individually bezel-set Royston cabochons and twisted-wire borders to the oxidized silver beads, stamped accents, dimensional squash blossom elements and elaborate multi-stone naja, there is craftsmanship to appreciate from every angle.

The darker, naturally oxidized areas of the sterling silver create depth and contrast against the brighter raised details and vivid turquoise, emphasizing the dimensional character of the silverwork.

The result is substantial without losing refinement: bold enough to command attention from across the room, yet intricate enough that the closer you look, the more craftsmanship you discover.

Artist & Piece Details

Artist: E.B. Smith
Artist Hallmark: “EB SMITH”
Metal: Sterling Silver
Metal Marking: “STERLING”
Stone: Genuine Royston Turquoise
Style: Traditional Squash Blossom Necklace
Centerpiece: Multi-Stone Turquoise Naja
Construction: Sterling silver bead necklace with individually stone-set squash blossom elements and turquoise-set naja
Origin: Native Made

The reverse of the naja is artist signed “EB SMITH” and stamped “STERLING,” identifying both the maker and sterling silver construction.

Because Royston Turquoise is a natural stone, every cabochon is inherently unique. Variations in green and blue-green coloration, matrix, host rock, veining and surface character are natural characteristics of the turquoise and are part of what makes this necklace truly one of a kind.

A Collector-Worthy Statement Piece

Squash blossom necklaces hold an important place in the history of Southwestern Native jewelry. The form developed through generations of Native silversmithing and cultural exchange, and today examples are held in major museum collections, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and Smithsonian American Art Museum.

This E.B. Smith piece carries that recognizable traditional form forward through an extraordinary abundance of Royston Turquoise and highly detailed sterling silverwork.

This isn't simply a necklace—it is a statement piece of Native-made jewelry and a showcase of E.B. Smith's artistry.

From the individuality of every Royston stone to the repetition of the squash blossoms and the dramatic turquoise-covered naja, this is the kind of piece that can become the centerpiece of a serious turquoise and Native American jewelry collection—and one worthy of being passed down for generations.

Please Note: Natural turquoise will vary in color, matrix and character. These variations are not flaws; they are part of the natural beauty and individuality of genuine turquoise.