Native American Indian Jewelry Guide

With the introduction of western contact, silver contributed to an already

diversified repertoire of Native American Indian jewelry.  During the early

 nineteenth century, the Spanish introduced the silversmith craft to the

Navajo.  Experienced jewelers, the Navajo integrated both old and new

concepts to develop some of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry today. The Navajo are best known for their squash-blossom necklaces, concho belts, and exquisite silver work.  From rings to bracelets, bolos to belt buckles, the Navajo have intertwined the beauty of silver with turquoise and red coral, creating a combination of metal and rocks that have been a prevalent mainstay of Native American jewelry.

The Navajo conveyed their knowledge of metalworking to their southwestern counterparts, the Zuni and Hopi. Zuni jewelers are well known for their fetish necklaces, as well as their work with silver, specifically inlay channel work; whereas the Zuni specialize in inlay, the Hopi have concentrated on a form of silver overlay, which uses two pieces of silver in the production of each design.  

 In an effort to highlight the overlay work, Hopi jewelry such as bracelets tends to keep stones to an absolute minimum.  Today, metals ranging from silver to gold are used for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and other forms of jewelry from tribes as varied as the Lakota and Cherokee. 

During the mid twentieth century, a transition occurred regarding the view

 of Native American jewelry. Whereas previous pieces of jewelry were associated with tribes as a whole, the western consumer and collector of Native American Indian jewelry began to value the individual as an artist.  Already appreciated for its aesthetic value, the respect for the creator allowed for a deeper understanding for each independent work of art. Native American jewelers continue to create some of the most intricate designs in the world today, making their jewelry necessary for both collectors and beginners alike.