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Native American southwestern sterling silver jewelry is as varied as it is beautiful. Both the modern and old handcrafted silver jewelry, is unique in today's retail market. The silver artisans, the marks, and the age of the southwestern native American silver jewelry are discussed.
Early Navajo Turquoise Bridle Button on a Necklace
Navajo Jewelry:
Dates back to the 1800's, with the first silver used from melted coins. Made for personal use, silver jewelry was rarely marked and utilized only turquoise and petrified wood through the 1940's.Early Navajo jewelry used simple stampings and was elegant in its simplicity. Unique to Navajo jewelry is sand casting ;pouring molten silver into carved tufa.Today,the Navajo mark their jewelry with "sterling" as well as their name, or their initials.
Squash Blossom Necklace
Squash Blossom Necklaces:
Early squash blossom necklaces were made of silver only. The bottom crescent is called the "naja". Turquoise was added later with the best turquoise coming from Lone Mountain, Nevada,Bisbee,Arizona and Los Cerillos,New Mexico mine produced a different turquoise with colors ranging from sky blue to green. A good modern squash blossom necklace is strung on silver chain and is a serious financial purchase.
Hopi Overlay Bracelet
Hopi Jewelry:
Hopi jewelry also began in the late 1800's. Most famous for their overlay work and oxidized black backgrounds, expect to see stylized symbols representing elements of their spiritual lives. Hopi artisans often use symbols and initials to mark their silver. Charles Laloma was the greatest modern innovator of Hopi silver jewelry. Internationally known, his jewelry is in the Smithsonian.
Pettit Point Thunderbird Ring
Zuni Jewelry:
Known for their intricate inlays and the use of animal fetishes in their jewelry, the Zuni's work is precise and eye catching. Fetish necklaces are carved stone animal figures, often set on multiple strands. The detail of the carvings and the number of strands effect the price of the necklaces. Another of their specialties is petit point, the use of small inset slivers of turquoise. A precise labor of love!
1950's Navajo Silver Ring
Where to Purchase:
Your first choice for purchase of Navajo, Hopi, or Zuni jewelry is in Arizona on the reservations or at reputable dealers. Every year in Santa Fe, New Mexico the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts holds the jaw dropping 2 day Indian Market (August 23rd & 24th). We have traveled the southwest and have our favorite places where we can purchase directly from the artists - our personal choice.
Charles Laloma Bracelet
Unfortunately, there is much manufactured poor quality Southwestern jewelry around. The price reflects the (lack) of workmanship. Learn more before you purchase. One of our favorite reference books is: "Skystone and Silver", Carl Rosnek and Joseph Stacey, Prentice Hall Publishers.Visit our website for more southwestern native American jewelry http://jasnejewels.com.
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Comments
imagery said
on 7/10/2008 Great article and thanks for the web site. You have helped me with Birthday and Mother's Day gifts for years.
Desula said
on 5/26/2008 I love Navajo pieces. Thanks for sharing this article and the differences.