ESTATE STERLING SILVER 10 STRAND 12” LIQUID SILVER HEISHI OLD PAWN

ESTATE STERLING SILVER 10 STRAND 12” LIQUID SILVER OLD PAWN. Beautiful piece found at an estate sale in Portland Oregon. This piece does not have a marking, this is common for antique pieces of artisanal jewelry that may have been made before marking was mandatory. I have done a magnet and bleach test all showing this is true sterling. Liquid silver necklaces, also known as heishi or heshi, have their origins in Native American jewelry, particularly among the Navajo and Pueblo tribes of the Southwestern United States. The term "liquid silver" refers to the fine, smooth strands of tiny silver beads that resemble flowing water. These beads are traditionally handcrafted, often from sterling silver, and strung together to create a fluid, shimmering effect. The creation of these necklaces involves a meticulous process where tiny silver tubes or beads are strung on fine threads. Historically, these beads were made from natural materials like shells or turquoise before transitioning to silver with the advent of European metalworking techniques. Liquid silver necklaces became popular in the mid-20th century as Native American jewelry gained wider recognition and appreciation for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance.