Vintage 1970s silver Navajo pearls

Old pawn 1970s 20" graduated hand made sterling silver 'Navajo pearl' necklace the original patina has been left on these beads to show age. A rare find, Making the beads is a time-consuming process. Each bead begins with silver that has to be melted, rolled and cut. Holes are punched, rounded, and then the beads are sanded and polished, all by hand. The heavy gauge silver used in these collectible beads gives these finished strands a nice weight and a substantial feeling.