The Navajo people have been making silver and turquoise ornamentation for centuries. They began in the fifteenth century when Spaniard explorers arrived displaying silver decorations on the saddles and bridles of their horses as well as on their clothing. It is disputed whether or not the trade was learned at the hands of the Spaniards, from other tribes or by inventive self teaching but the resulting Navajo Jewelry was as highly prized then as it is today.
Using the basic ideas gained from the medallions seen on the Spanish horses and clothing they were able to create necklaces and belts that appealed to both the white man and other neighboring tribes. They became very adept at designing bold and unique looks for each new item they made. Travelers and hunters were able to trade their goods for the ornate items made in the villages.
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 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.
Jewelers today often arrange the stones in the form of animals or craft the silver into them for ear rings or broaches. They have also branched to other gem stones like opals and mother of pearl. The quality of the work when created by authentic Native American artists mirrors the work of their ancestors in beauty and design.
There is another technique used by these artists to create unique items. The die cast system uses a solid die that is imprinted on the silver to detail floral or other designs into the body of the item. The masters of this process can strike the die several times in the exact spot creating a deep and crisp appearing image that will endure for a lifetime.
You may find that some of these pieces can be rather pricey. This is true especially if you are looking at the pieces offered by authentic artists. You can find the mass produced pieces that come from factories at a much lower price but you will sacrifice the unique quality and look you receive from the silversmiths who do one piece at a time and detail them as one of a kind.
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.
Using the basic ideas gained from the medallions seen on the Spanish horses and clothing they were able to create necklaces and belts that appealed to both the white man and other neighboring tribes. They became very adept at designing bold and unique looks for each new item they made. Travelers and hunters were able to trade their goods for the ornate items made in the villages.
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 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.
Jewelers today often arrange the stones in the form of animals or craft the silver into them for ear rings or broaches. They have also branched to other gem stones like opals and mother of pearl. The quality of the work when created by authentic Native American artists mirrors the work of their ancestors in beauty and design.
There is another technique used by these artists to create unique items. The die cast system uses a solid die that is imprinted on the silver to detail floral or other designs into the body of the item. The masters of this process can strike the die several times in the exact spot creating a deep and crisp appearing image that will endure for a lifetime.
You may find that some of these pieces can be rather pricey. This is true especially if you are looking at the pieces offered by authentic artists. You can find the mass produced pieces that come from factories at a much lower price but you will sacrifice the unique quality and look you receive from the silversmiths who do one piece at a time and detail them as one of a kind.
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.
About the Author:
If you are looking for a source of Navajo jewelry, pay a visit to our web catalog online here today. You can see details at http://silltribaltrading.com now.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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