Vintage 1960s Ray & Eva Wyaco Sterling Silver Needlepoint Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace – 107 Stones – Signed

A stunning, museum-worthy example of classic Zuni artistry, this handmade and signed Ray & Eva Wyaco squash blossom necklace dates to the 1960s and features exceptional needlepoint turquoise work throughout. Needlepoint jewelry is a very elegant style that originated in Zuni jewelry during the 1940s. It is known for being one of the most labor-intensive types of jewelry to craft. Zuni artisans favor Sleeping Beauty turquoise for their delicate needlepoint and petit point jewelry due to its consistent, solid sky-blue color, lack of matrix, and natural hardness. Highly collectible and beautifully preserved, this necklace represents the meticulous craftsmanship for which the Wyacos are renowned.  

Key Features

Artisan: Ray & Eva Wyaco (Zuni) – both respected for traditional silversmithing and intricate turquoise work

Era: Vintage, 1960s

Material: Solid sterling silver with natural turquoise needlepoint stones

Total Stones: 107 hand-cut turquoise stones

Construction: Entirely handcrafted, including the sterling bench beads

Strung on: Traditional foxtail with sterling beads and curved cone terminals

Clasp: Sterling hook-and-eye 

Design Details

Ten (10) squash blossoms, each set with six needlepoint turquoise stones

Large central naja measuring 2" (L) x 1.75" (W), set with 33 needlepoint turquoise stones on the naja, plus 14 additional stones on the bail/top

Overall length:24" necklace + 2" naja drop

Beautiful, balanced proportions and harmonious stone work

Classic Zuni needlepoint style with fine silver bezels and excellent stone matching

Condition

Vintage, pre-owned, well preserved

Light patina and minor surface wear are appropriate for the age 

All stones appear secure, original, and well-set 

Foxtail, cones, and beads are in excellent vintage condition

Why Collectors Love This Piece

Eva L. Wyaco’s turquoise work is highly regarded and increasingly sought after 

Signed Wyaco squash blossoms are scarce and command strong interest in the Native American jewelry market 

Exemplifies authentic mid-century Zuni craftsmanship with no modern reproductions or machine-made elements 

A striking statement piece suitable for both wear and display 

Perfect For

Collectors of Native American or Zuni turquoise jewelry 

Enthusiasts of mid-century Southwestern handmade silver

Anyone seeking a substantial, heirloom-quality squash blossom necklace with known artisan provenance 

Stamps: Ray & Eva Wyaco, Zuni

• Designer = Ray & Eva Wyaco
• Material = Sterling Silver
• Metal Finish = Warm Patina
• Gemstone = Turquoise
• Shape/Cut = Needlepoint
• Gem Color = Blue
• Weight (Grams) = 37.45G
• Measurements = 24" + 2"
• Condition = Vintage

Item Number: 13330-4

Item ID: 107594

Category: Necklace

Note: This item has been inspected and appraised by a GIA Graduate Gemologist Appraiser.

Diamond origin is tested using a GIA iD100 Gem Testing Device. Unless indicated otherwise, all diamonds are to be considered natural, earth-mined diamonds. All man-made, laboratory-grown, laboratory-created, or synthetic diamonds are well marked on the price tag as well as in the website description.

All diamond and gemstone grading is done under GIA standards as the mounting permits. All gemstone weights and measurements are approximate. Unless otherwise stated, colored gemstones may have commonly used clarity and color enhancing treatments per industry standards.

Prospective buyers should note that all jewelry we sell is 'used' and will likely have some amount of wear, we warranty that the item will be essentialy as we have described it, but no other warranties are expressed or implied, and all items are sold 'as is'.