Pawn Jewelry-23" Silver beads w/ antique finish

Navajo handcrafted beads. Made of solid sterling silver, these beads have a simple oval shape with a seam donw the center. They have been oxidized and brushed with steel wool to give them an antique finish. They have a medium weight and are strung on silver chain. A silver hook & eye clasp holds thme securely.

It comes attached to its original red pawn ticket.The term "pawn" refers to jewelry that has been pawned to brokers. The practice of pawning jewelry began in the early 1900s when Native Americans and traders would exchange jewelry for food and other necessities, it is still used today and is embedded in the Navajo culture. 

Material: Sterling silver 

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current 

Necklace measurements: 23" of beads with 1-1/4" hook & eye clasp

Bead measurement: appox 9.5mm x 7mm