Old Pawn Ingot Silver Squash Blossom Necklace | c. 1890–1920

Taking Care of Sterling Silver Jewelry

DO NOT bend or widen bracelets, necklaces, or other jewelry that is made of sterling silver or other stiff metals. Repeated bending over time will damage the metals and can alter the look of the imagery on it. If you have a piece that does not fit properly, please contact us and we would be happy to adjust it for you.

Our money clips are one of the few exceptions to this rule because they are designed to be slightly bent. They are constructed to be tightened or loosened to accommodate more or less currency that you are carrying.

Caring for Silver & Sterling Silver Jewelry

Exposure over extended periods of time to the elements can cause your high quality jewelry to tarnish more quickly and look aged. If you are not going to wear it for a while put it in a place that is dark, cool and dry.

If you see that your sterling silver is taking on a darker, yellow, or blackish color it is tarnishing. This happens when it is exposed to moisture, body oils, acids, and other elements. This is natural. Use the jewelers cloth to regularly buff your jewelry. If it is too tarnished contact us and we can clean it for you.

Jewelers Cloths are soft cloths made just for shining your jewelry. They are cheap and can be purchased in many places. They can also be used to wrap your jewelry in.

When to Seek Professional Help

For valuable or fragile pieces: If a piece is very old, fragile, or valuable, it is safest to have it cleaned by a professional who specializes in antique jewelry.

Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners: These can be too aggressive and damage delicate finishes or older metalwork.

Handle with care: Be careful not to bend or force pieces, as this can weaken the metal or alter the design.

Clean regularly: Inspect pieces regularly for signs of wear or damage.

For significant repairs: If you need to adjust a piece or repair it, consult a professional to avoid damaging it.

Storage

Store separately: Keep each piece in its own compartment within a soft-lined jewelry box or in a separate soft cloth bag to prevent scratches and tangling.

Keep pieces dry: Store jewelry in a dry environment.

Display with care: Shadow boxes can be used to display pieces securely, and including a packet of activated charcoal or silica gel can help absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.

Avoid plastic bags for long periods: While a plastic bag can be good for short-term storage, a more breathable storage method like wrapping in a soft cloth is better for long-term preservation.

This necklace exemplifies early Navajo craftsmanship, a period defined by resourcefulness and precision. The use of ingot silver, meticulously hammered and shaped by hand, suggests an era before the widespread use of pre-manufactured silver sheet and wire, which became common by the 1940s. Its clean design and the natural patina point to its authenticity and age, aligning with pieces created for Native communities or regional trade, long before the tourist market influenced design styles.

Steeped in history, this piece speaks to a time when silversmiths worked under rugged conditions, pouring their expertise and heritage into wearable art. Whether collected as a significant historical artifact or worn as a statement of enduring craftsmanship, this necklace represents a tangible piece of the American Southwest’s legacy.