Mill-rolled sterling silver was utilized in hand fabrication of the hogan beads and creation of the twenty four petal squash blossoms. Sterling silver for the naja was smelted and poured into a hand-carved two piece tufa stone mold, which was then hand finished.
Though Francis Jones was well known and loved for his more traditional work, almost always signed with his conjoined FJ, his modernist work seldom bore his mark. Contemporary examples were quite rare and were the true work of his heart. This particular necklace was attributed based on the few modernist pieces found with his mark.
Description | Mill-rolled sterling silver was utilized in hand fabrication of the hogan beads and creation of the twenty four petal squash blossoms. Sterling silver for the naja was smelted and poured into a hand-carved two piece tufa stone mold, which was then hand finished. Though Francis Jones was well known and loved for his more traditional work, almost always signed with his conjoined FJ, his modernist work seldom bore his mark. Contemporary examples were quite rare and were the true work of his heart. This particular necklace was attributed based on the few modernist pieces found with his mark.
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About the Artist | Navajo jeweler cited in Gregory Schaaf's book American Indian Jewelry II: A-L 1,800 Artist Biographies, born circa 1944. Stamping his creations "FJ", Jones is also referenced in Barton Wright's publication 2000 Hallmarks of the Southwest (1989). |
Culture | American Indian, Navajo |
Medium | Sterling silver |
Troy ounces | 5.61 troy ounces |
Size | Inside strand is 21” long. Outer strand extends the necklace to 22” length. Naja is 3 ½” X 2 ¼”. Blossoms are 1 ¾” X ½” at petal tips. |
Date of creation | Circa 1960 |
Condition | Excellent |
Provenance | BS |
Gram weight | 174.6 grams |