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.
The earliest efforts of these crafts men were tailored after the medallions found on the Spaniards horses. They soon developed a market for their wares with their own tribes and that market eventually grew to include other tribes and the European explorers and travelers who were passing through their territory. Their work was highly sought after because of the beautiful accents they were able to develop.
They soon became expert silversmiths using forges of their own design and were able to produce the pieces faster by melting the silver and pounding it into shape prior to creating the piece they were making. At this point they were still using the silver plugs acquired from trading with travelers and settlers. They were melted down and either hammered into shape or poured into sand or stone casts to create basic forms.
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.
The earliest efforts of these crafts men were tailored after the medallions found on the Spaniards horses. They soon developed a market for their wares with their own tribes and that market eventually grew to include other tribes and the European explorers and travelers who were passing through their territory. Their work was highly sought after because of the beautiful accents they were able to develop.
They soon became expert silversmiths using forges of their own design and were able to produce the pieces faster by melting the silver and pounding it into shape prior to creating the piece they were making. At this point they were still using the silver plugs acquired from trading with travelers and settlers. They were melted down and either hammered into shape or poured into sand or stone casts to create basic forms.
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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