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What Everyone Must Know About Native American Jewelry

Any accessory manufactured for ornamentation, whether for ceremonies, personal use, sale, trade, or display as art, is Native American jewelry. Indigenous Americans must handcraft each piece in the United States. Although tribal communities have often adopted designs and procedures from other cultures, the jewelry represents cultural uniqueness and history.

Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and pins, as well as ketones (huge forearm cuffs), wampum (shell beads), and labrets are examples of Native American jewelry (ornamental lip plugs). You can shop many things from the Navajo nation store and get the best accessories from there.

In this guide, you will learn many things about Native American Jewelry, and these are:

1: Turquoise:

It is one of the oldest stones used in jewelry, as well as having a gorgeous aesthetic. This stone is prized beyond all others by Native American jewelers. It’s known as the “fallen sky stone” and is supposed to be a protective stone. The most common stone used in Native American jewelry is turquoise.

Natural or artificial materials, such as beading and quillwork, can create Native American jewelry. Hand-quarried and treated stones and shells to computer-fabricated steel and titanium jewelry are all examples of contemporary Native American jewelry. Native American jewelry has specific qualities that include details, design, and aesthetics.

2: Sterling Silver:

Native American jewelry is known for its sterling silver. The Navajo were the first to use silver in their jewelry, but other tribes swiftly followed suit. Native Americans did not have access to their silver mines. They melted objects like money and teapots instead. Artists continued to develop and improve their unique techniques to create the diverse forms of Native American sterling silver jewelry as the usage of silver became more widespread. Silver is now one of the most prominent features of Native American jewelry.

3: Cuffs:

Cuff bracelets are a stylish way to embellish the wrist with intricate designs and diamonds. Some have striking wrist pieces, while others have more delicate and subtle motifs. It’s a great way for artisans to show off their exquisite designs while mixing a range of materials into a meaningful product.

4: Stones:

Colorful gemstones are used in Native American jewelry in various ways, from agate to zebra stone. The stones frequently have significance for the tribal artisan’s cultural background as well as for the wearer.

You can get a large selection of Native American jewelry made by artisans that each have their unique cultural histories to present through their designs. While most contemporary jewelry is of a southwestern heritage,Navajo Rug Dress will always appeal to accessory enthusiasts everywhere.

5: Bracelet:

The cuff style bracelet is another beautiful jewelry piece popular among Native American artists. Some cuffs are more prominent, with bright hues and a wide surface area, making them excellent for adding stones and metals. If you’re seeking something a little more subtle, cuffs can also come in smaller, more delicately scaled pieces. In terms of materials, many Pueblo artists employ coral and spiny oysters, in addition to turquoise, when handcrafting their bracelets.

6: Pendants:

Turquoise, spiny oyster, coral, and other semi-precious stones like garnet are some of the most prevalent materials used in necklaces. Other natural elements, such as animal bones or teeth, antler bits, or even feathers, can be found in many chains. Whatever you choose, make sure you do your homework and double-check that your work is genuine and new. One can also select a Traditional Navajo Clothing store and get the best clothing accessory.

Ways to spot authentic Navajo jewelry

Native American jewelry is available in several styles, including the following:

1: Rings Necklaces

2: Bracelet Pins

3: Belts Earrings Bolo ties

It’s primarily sterling silver with turquoise accents, whether large or small, green or blue. Feathers, bear claws, crosses, flowers, and other lovely patterns and shapes are common. When they aren’t meant to look like a shape, you’ll find stunning yet straightforward designs that have just as much impact.

It’s also important to know how to tell the difference between natural and imitation turquoise while buying or wearing Native American jewelry. Because it’s an absorbent mineral that can be colored to seem like turquoise, Howlite is frequently used as a fake turquoise. When you know how to spot the difference, you can only prevent buying authentic and inauthentic Navajo jewelry. It also allows you to honor a timeless tradition of Native American jewelry making.

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