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.
They created a silver forge that improved the look of their pieces and expedited the time spent making them. Many of the necklaces and belts they made were traded to settlers and soldiers for silver plugs that could be melted down for new designs. The plugs became less important when silver sheeting became available. They no longer needed to melt the silver and hammer it flat before starting new projects.
The popularity of these items rises and falls dependent on the exposure they get from celebrities and the fashion industry but there has always been a hard core of collectors that purchase them for the bold beauty they offer. The most recognizable pieces will be made of sterling silver and have large gems implanted in them. The necklaces and bracelets that you see will generally contain either turquoise or coral as a center piece.
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.
Another design method is the art of using die casts that imprint shapes into the silver after it has been processed. The artist has metal dies that are imprinted with floral, animal or other designs and uses them by placing them on the silver and striking them with a hammer to stamp the shapes into the silver. The masters can create crisp outlines that will last forever.
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.
Many people collect these pieces as they would gather heirlooms for their families. The styles and designs available allow something for every taste and whether you prefer large or small pieces you can find what you are looking for. And you can be pretty sure it will be one of a kind when you wear it.
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.
They created a silver forge that improved the look of their pieces and expedited the time spent making them. Many of the necklaces and belts they made were traded to settlers and soldiers for silver plugs that could be melted down for new designs. The plugs became less important when silver sheeting became available. They no longer needed to melt the silver and hammer it flat before starting new projects.
The popularity of these items rises and falls dependent on the exposure they get from celebrities and the fashion industry but there has always been a hard core of collectors that purchase them for the bold beauty they offer. The most recognizable pieces will be made of sterling silver and have large gems implanted in them. The necklaces and bracelets that you see will generally contain either turquoise or coral as a center piece.
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.
Another design method is the art of using die casts that imprint shapes into the silver after it has been processed. The artist has metal dies that are imprinted with floral, animal or other designs and uses them by placing them on the silver and striking them with a hammer to stamp the shapes into the silver. The masters can create crisp outlines that will last forever.
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.
Many people collect these pieces as they would gather heirlooms for their families. The styles and designs available allow something for every taste and whether you prefer large or small pieces you can find what you are looking for. And you can be pretty sure it will be one of a kind when you wear it.
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