There is some controversy as to whether making silver ornamentation for personal use by the Navajo Nation began with the tutelage of Spanish explorers or from exposure to neighboring tribes in the Southwestern United States. Either way it began these people developed a style that is uniquely their own. They developed the capacity to create items that can only be called by their true name of Navajo jewelry.
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.
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.
Many celebrities wear turquoise pieces as a trademark of their style. These people have been responsible for the rise and fall of popularity and sales. The fashion industry has also been instrumental in creating a market for the pieces found on reservations and in trading posts nationwide. The necklaces and bracelets made of silver and displaying large pieces of turquoise or coral are very distinct and recognizable.
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.
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.
When shopping for this type of jewelry you will find a wide range of pieces and prices to select from. There are markets for every budget but you will find that the pieces created by authentic Native American artists will be far more expensive. They may also prove to be the best value for your investment because they will retain their value through the years and perhaps even gain value over time.
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.
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.
Many celebrities wear turquoise pieces as a trademark of their style. These people have been responsible for the rise and fall of popularity and sales. The fashion industry has also been instrumental in creating a market for the pieces found on reservations and in trading posts nationwide. The necklaces and bracelets made of silver and displaying large pieces of turquoise or coral are very distinct and recognizable.
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.
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.
When shopping for this type of jewelry you will find a wide range of pieces and prices to select from. There are markets for every budget but you will find that the pieces created by authentic Native American artists will be far more expensive. They may also prove to be the best value for your investment because they will retain their value through the years and perhaps even gain value over time.
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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