Description: This is a very rare and gorgeous, Lander Blue turquoise and sterling silver squash blossom set! It features various sizes of Lander Blue turquoise cabochons, set in sterling silver. It has been tested as sterling silver.
Additional Info: This set came from the Jerry Egeland collection. Jerry Egeland and his former wife Barbara Yoder were well-known dealers of Lander Blue turquoise and jewelry. The Egelands were one of the original investors in the Lander Blue claim in the early 1970s. They took their payback in the form of turquoise, and as such, amassed one of the largest private collections of real, authentic Lander Blue turquoise. Some of their Landers collection was featured in the book, Turquoise, The Gem of the Centuries, by Oscar T. Branson, published in 1975. The Egeland turquoise is featured on P. 26. This collection is well known as being authentic Lander Blue turquoise.
Maker: The Egelands hired various Navajo silversmiths around the Gallup, NM area to turn some of their Lander Blue turquoise into jewelry. This is one of those items. The exact artist is not known as this set was not hallmarked.
Age: Late 1970s.
Size: The Squash fits 28 inches around the neck with an additional measurement on the Naja of 3-1/2 inches h x 3-1/4 inches w, and it weighs 368.4 grams. The Bracelet measures 5-1/4 inches plus there is a 1 inch opening its a 6-1/4 inches wrist and it weighs 70 grams. The Ring is a size 7-1/4 and weighs 19.5 grams. Earrings measure 7/8 inches w x 1-1/4 inches h and the weight is 19.4 grams. Combined weight of the set is 477.2 g.!
Condition: Good for its age, minimal wear expected.
Please look closely at the pictures as they are an important part of our description.