The Navajo Nation is the largest Southwest Native American tribes. They have been making silver and turquoise ornamentation since the early fifteenth century. Some sources will tell you that they learned their skills from the Spanish after seeing the decorations on saddles and soldiers who came to find gold and silver. Others believe that they were self taught with some input from neighboring tribes. Either way, the Navajo Jewelry found today has its foundation in early American history.
Taking the first step by copying the decorations they admired on the tack and clothing displayed by the Spaniards they developed belts and necklaces from silver medallions. Their skill at doing this soon allowed them to trade the pieces for other items they needed for survival. They exchanged goods with both Native American Tribes and the white men who passed through their lands.
Before long their skills had progressed to expert silversmith levels and they began adding turquoise and other gems to the pieces they created. They developed a means of sand casting the silver and developed more intricate designs for necklaces and bracelets. For many years the main items created were necklaces, bracelets and belt hooks, many of which were traded to the white towns people for silver plugs that they could melt down to make more pieces.
The popularity of these pieces has had up and down periods sometimes led by fashions preferred in Holly Wood, California. Other times it has been helped by celebrities in the fashion market. Many of the most recognized pieces consist of distinctively bold silver designs containing a large gem stone. Turquoise is probably the most recognizable but they often used coral too.
Today you can find items with stones arranged in the form of animals, reptiles or birds. Another favorite is the fetishes that were popular with tribes as spirits that protected tribes, families or crops. Ear rings are a favorite item for the nature shapes such as birds or small mammals. When created by authentic members of the tribe these pieces can rival anything created by their ancestors.
A technique that has proven to produce a more ornate look for larger pieces is die casting. With metal dies the artist imprints images on the silver by striking the die with a hammer. This technique, if done properly produces a crisp, sharp image of foliage or hieroglyphs into the body of the piece. Other designs are also available from individual artists.
This style of ornamentation can prove to be rather expensive if the artists are authentic Native American designers. Their work is created in sterling silver and can contain gems and stones that have a wide range in value on the open market. They may also prove to be the most durable pieces available for purchase. Much of the cost is calculated by artist name and actual time consumed in creating the piece.
Whether you prefer to wear items that are subtly beautiful or bold and eye catching you will find something that appeals to you in this field of fashion. The stones and gems used to inlay the silver will enhance the appearance of the bracelet or necklace as well as the person who is wearing it. Every piece is designed to be unique and special in its own right.
Taking the first step by copying the decorations they admired on the tack and clothing displayed by the Spaniards they developed belts and necklaces from silver medallions. Their skill at doing this soon allowed them to trade the pieces for other items they needed for survival. They exchanged goods with both Native American Tribes and the white men who passed through their lands.
Before long their skills had progressed to expert silversmith levels and they began adding turquoise and other gems to the pieces they created. They developed a means of sand casting the silver and developed more intricate designs for necklaces and bracelets. For many years the main items created were necklaces, bracelets and belt hooks, many of which were traded to the white towns people for silver plugs that they could melt down to make more pieces.
The popularity of these pieces has had up and down periods sometimes led by fashions preferred in Holly Wood, California. Other times it has been helped by celebrities in the fashion market. Many of the most recognized pieces consist of distinctively bold silver designs containing a large gem stone. Turquoise is probably the most recognizable but they often used coral too.
Today you can find items with stones arranged in the form of animals, reptiles or birds. Another favorite is the fetishes that were popular with tribes as spirits that protected tribes, families or crops. Ear rings are a favorite item for the nature shapes such as birds or small mammals. When created by authentic members of the tribe these pieces can rival anything created by their ancestors.
A technique that has proven to produce a more ornate look for larger pieces is die casting. With metal dies the artist imprints images on the silver by striking the die with a hammer. This technique, if done properly produces a crisp, sharp image of foliage or hieroglyphs into the body of the piece. Other designs are also available from individual artists.
This style of ornamentation can prove to be rather expensive if the artists are authentic Native American designers. Their work is created in sterling silver and can contain gems and stones that have a wide range in value on the open market. They may also prove to be the most durable pieces available for purchase. Much of the cost is calculated by artist name and actual time consumed in creating the piece.
Whether you prefer to wear items that are subtly beautiful or bold and eye catching you will find something that appeals to you in this field of fashion. The stones and gems used to inlay the silver will enhance the appearance of the bracelet or necklace as well as the person who is wearing it. Every piece is designed to be unique and special in its own right.
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