Is Native American jewelry marked Sterling?
Native American Indian artists pride themselves on their work and often use the highest quality materials. Hence, authentic Native American Indian jewelry will most commonly be sterling silver. An easy way to determine a sterling piece from a silver-plated piece is to use a small magnet.
What is the traditional Navajo jewelry?
The earliest works were concho belts, bracelets, and necklaces, but eventually expanded to a full range of jewelry. Today, some of the most popular features of Navajo Indian jewelry include silver, naja pendants, squash blossom necklaces, and concho belts.
What did the Navajo jewelry symbolize?
For many tribal peoples, including the Navajo, jewelry’s meaning can be spiritual, monetary, or aesthetic, or a combination of the three. It traditionally represented its wearer’s status. Some common Native American symbols used in jewelry and their meanings include: Arrow: bow and arrow; protection and defense.
Is Navajo jewelry made in Mexico?
The Navajo Jewelry Background The Navajo Nation, also known as the Diné Nation, is the largest Native American tribe in the Southwest. After settling in the Southwestern Unites States, they bartered handcrafted turquoise and shell beads for silver necklaces made by Mexican and Spanish craftsmen.
What is Navajo jewelry made of?
Today’s Native American Navajo jewelry includes silver, beads, gold and stones. Tribal designs, Spanish designs, old style and contemporary design all combine to transcend old styles.
What does Navajo jewelry look like?
Common features of Navajo jewelry include silver, large stones and organic shapes. While the Zuni are renowned for animal-shaped fetishes, the Navajo focus on the innate beauty of Southwest rocks and minerals. Stones can be rough, polished or carved into geometric shapes.
What is Navajo sterling silver?
Navajo Sterling Silver Jewelry Characteristics Some Navajo Indian jewelry is purely sterling silver without stones. These pieces are generally hand-stamped or sandcast, although the Hopi Indian influence is evident in pieces that use the overlay technique to add depth.
How did the Navajo make their jewelry?
The Navajo, or Diné, began working silver in the 19th century. Early Navajo smiths rocker-engraved, stamped, and filed designs into plain silver, melted from coins, flatware, and ingots obtained from European-American traders. Later, sheet silver and wire acquired from American settlers were also made into jewelry.
What did the Navajo make their jewelry out of?
The Navajo wore adornments acquired from conquest and trade made of German silver, brass, copper and to a lesser extent, silver. Much from Mexican silversmiths, the Spanish and Native neighbors.