Turquoise and Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace

With this gorgeous Turquoise and Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace, classic freshwater pearls are given a southwestern sensibility. The pearl strands, respectively strung with 5mm and 8mm freshwater pearls, gently contrast the matching length of 5mm turquoise beads. Handcrafted by native artisans at New Mexico’s Santo Domingo Pueblo with sterling silver findings and lobster claw clasp. Natural variations ensure each Turquoise and Pearl Multi-Strand Necklace will be one of a kind.  17.5"l.

Museum Provenance

Used for thousands of years in a variety of decorative applications, turquoise has maintained its allure to the present day. Numerous cultures have used this versatile stone. The ancients valued turquoise, not only for its beauty, but for the powers it was believed to possess. Worn as a talisman to keep its owner from harm, turquoise was also thought to bring foresight, wealth and peace of mind. Native Americans utilize turquoise to create jewelry, amulets, decorative inlays and other ornamental objects. Many of these items are found in the collections of our National Museum of the American Indian. Examples of turquoise can also be found in our gem and mineral collections, National Museum of Natural History.

Every Smithsonian purchase will arrive with a museum provenance card explaining how it is adapted from or inspired by an object or objects in our collection.