Native American Jewelry

Native American Jewelry is often copied and manufactured in other parts of the world, but nothing compares to the beauty of the real thing.

One look at Native American jewelry immediately evokes images of the desert Southwest. The hallmarks of this jewelry design are the use of materials found throughout the landscape and the spirituality incorporated into each piece.

Let's take a closer look at the items that served as inspiration for the native peoples that inhabit the region.

Turquoise is the signature gem stone used to create Native American jewelry. It comes in several varieties, and the heavy metals found in the ground where it forms determine the shading of the stones.

Colors include:

• White Buffalo- This type of turquoise is rather rare because it's only found in areas where there are no heavy metals present to influence the color development. The Navajo are particularly adept at creating wonderful pieces with these stones.
• Green- The presence of iron deposits creates varying shades running from yellow to green to greenish-gray.
• Blue- By far the most plentiful type of turquoise, the beautiful bright blue shades result from the presence of copper.

Turquoise may be used as whole stones, cut into beads or laid into metalwork jewelry. Either way, it's immediately recognized for its Southwestern flair.

The burnt red tones of apple coral are a particularly nice compliment to the blue hues of turquoise. These gems are becoming more difficult to find.

Red jaspar is similar to apple coral, and the supply of these stones is a bit more plentiful.

Black onyx takes on a luminescent shine when polished and is very attractive against sterling silver. It is also frequently used for inlaid metalwork.

These rich green gems have darker stripes running through them.

What goes better with turquoise than the flash of sterling silver? This metal is terrific material for creating intricate hammered patterns, and its beauty only increases as it develops a beautiful natural patina.

This is another fine metal that can be embossed with all manner of designs. Copper is stunning on its own and is most often used to create wristbands for both men and women. The main drawback to wearing this metal is that it tends to turn the skin beneath it green.

Native American jewelry is unparalled in its use of beadwork. Fine seed beads are used in many pieces, but larger pony beads are also popular.

Beads are created from many natural resources, including:

• Animal bones and horns
• Snake rattles
• Porcupine quills
• Turtle shells
• Hooves
• Stones
• Shells
• Wood
• Seeds

You'll find many recurring themes in Native American jewelry, most having special meanings.

• Eagles and eagle feathers- Sacred sign of strength worn by chiefs
• Squash blossoms- Thought to be a sign of crop fertility, inspired by the influence of Spanish explorers
• Bear Paws- Seen as a good omen
• Conchas- A type of medallion showing heavy Spanish influence
• Arrows- Believed to bring protection
• Arrowheads- Stand for alertness
• Thunderbirds- Sacred bringers of unlimited happiness
• Dream catchers- Believed to prevent nightmares
• Free form- Makes use of natural stone shapes

Authentic Native American jewelry is often imitated, but never surpassed. Make sure of the origin of any piece you consider adding to your collection.

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