The southwestern United States was home to the first Navajo Indian tribes. A variety of unique American Indian artifacts were found in this area and the tribe itself is famous for their Navajo jewelry. This appealing combination of sterling silver and turquoise is well-loved all over the world. However, other colorful metals and gems are also utilized in the creation of such pieces, such as those seen with Zuni jewelry.
Much of the inspiration enjoyed by early Native American jewelers came from the Spaniards. The latter were almost always heavily adorned with pieces such as the naja, which is a silver crescent-shaped pendant. These styles were adopted by the Navajo and are still seen today.
Many people are aware of the fact that turquoise is the material most often used to create such pieces. Turquoise is considered by many Native Americans as a sacred stone, and for this reason it is often used as a talisman. It is usually the main stone featured in jewelry made by Navajo designers.
Although turquoise is the preferred gemstone for such pieces, additional stones are also frequently used. These include coral and spiny oyster shell. Stones such as these can be found in a variety of colors from off-white to bright coral shades.
Silversmithing plays a vital role in the creation of such pieces as well, as sterling silver is typically the setting of choice when such pieces are created. Although the making of adornments of this type was a major activity in Native American culture for thousands of years, the tribes did not learn silversmithing until the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century.
It was during this era when the art of metal-shaping was learned by the Native American tribes. The skill was embraced instantly and the tribes learned it with apparent ease and quickly incorporated it into their craft. However, the silver was not acquired through mining at that time, but rather the necessary metal was obtained from various objects including coins, sheet metal, and wire.
When one is selecting such adornments, there are considerations to which he or she should give thought. Imitation pieces of this type can be found without much difficulty; however, people who prefer only genuine items should understand the features that prove authenticity. Genuine items of this kind feature hallmarks, or symbols, that offer evidence that they are authentic.
Such symbols are unique to the individual designer. All Navajos have their own hallmark that is stamped into the piece, usually somewhere on the sterling silver. Those searching for genuine pieces should look for this hallmark. Regardless of whether one chooses costume or genuine pieces, Navajo jewelry is a beautiful and timeless choice.
Much of the inspiration enjoyed by early Native American jewelers came from the Spaniards. The latter were almost always heavily adorned with pieces such as the naja, which is a silver crescent-shaped pendant. These styles were adopted by the Navajo and are still seen today.
Many people are aware of the fact that turquoise is the material most often used to create such pieces. Turquoise is considered by many Native Americans as a sacred stone, and for this reason it is often used as a talisman. It is usually the main stone featured in jewelry made by Navajo designers.
Although turquoise is the preferred gemstone for such pieces, additional stones are also frequently used. These include coral and spiny oyster shell. Stones such as these can be found in a variety of colors from off-white to bright coral shades.
Silversmithing plays a vital role in the creation of such pieces as well, as sterling silver is typically the setting of choice when such pieces are created. Although the making of adornments of this type was a major activity in Native American culture for thousands of years, the tribes did not learn silversmithing until the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century.
It was during this era when the art of metal-shaping was learned by the Native American tribes. The skill was embraced instantly and the tribes learned it with apparent ease and quickly incorporated it into their craft. However, the silver was not acquired through mining at that time, but rather the necessary metal was obtained from various objects including coins, sheet metal, and wire.
When one is selecting such adornments, there are considerations to which he or she should give thought. Imitation pieces of this type can be found without much difficulty; however, people who prefer only genuine items should understand the features that prove authenticity. Genuine items of this kind feature hallmarks, or symbols, that offer evidence that they are authentic.
Such symbols are unique to the individual designer. All Navajos have their own hallmark that is stamped into the piece, usually somewhere on the sterling silver. Those searching for genuine pieces should look for this hallmark. Regardless of whether one chooses costume or genuine pieces, Navajo jewelry is a beautiful and timeless choice.
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Sill Tribal Trading is a top provider of Navajo jewelry. Contact them today for more information! (http://www.silltribaltrading.com)
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