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While the tradition of making jewelry out of shells and beads dates to prehistoric times, Native American silver-and-turquoise rings, bracelets, pins and the like are a relatively recent phenomenon, going back only as far as the mid-19th century. Pieces from the 1800s, if you can find them, were usually produced for tribal or religious purposes rather than adornment (the tourist trade came later).

When times got tough, people would take their most expendable personal pieces and pawn the...

One of the controversial aspects of Native American jewelry is the extent to which non-Native traders influenced its production. These traders frequently coached Native American artisans to create designs of little or no cultural or historical relevance, provided them with tools and materials, and, of course, sold the finished pieces to tourists who had ventured into the Southwest via the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. Beginning in 1899, what we’d call adventure-travelers could purchase Native American jewelry and other souvenirs at Fred Harvey curio shops.

Silver was the base metal for most of these pieces—squash-blossom necklaces were one of the first styles. For stones, Navajo artisans were the first to use turquoise, which was indigenous to the area but was quickly mined out—the best pieces were labeled with the name of their source mine. It wasn’t long before high-quality turquoise was being imported, while softer, poorer-quality stones were often treated with resin to make them hard.

Other tribes developed their own styles. Shell necklaces and mosaics were a specialty of the Pueblo, particularly members of the Santa Domingo tribe. The Zuni were known for their cluster pieces and use of red coral. And the Hopi produced pins and other objects that suggest textile influences.

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Interviews & Articles

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Recent News: Native American Jewelry

Source: Google News

Beyond the diamonds: Less expensive Valentine's gift options
Dayton Daily News, February 4th

Feller's Greenhouse and Gifts offers Native American jewelry. Silver post earrings, with malachite or black onyx stone, start at $16.99 at Silver and turquoise necklaces start at $19.99. The handmade pieces are all made in Arizona by Navajo artists...Read more

Lubbock Chorale's annual dinner show promises Southwestern flair
LubbockOnline.com, February 3rd

For example, bolo ties and nice boots work nicely, and formal outfits can be dressed up with belts, scarves and Native American jewelry.” Twine may substitute for napkin holders, but look for the annual dinner show to retain its past elegance...Read more

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PR Web (press release), January 31st

Many of the pieces naturally feature rich blue turquoise and or red coral set in sterling silver - which has become downright synonymous with Native American jewelry - but there are also beaded items, pieces with synthetic opal, and copper bracelets...Read more

Moon Travel Guides Author Offers 10 Tips for Planning a Romantic Winter ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release), January 31st

Visit the Hopi House: The Hopi House, designed by architect Mary Colter in 1905, holds the canyon's finest collection of Native American jewelry, perfect for purchasing a memento. 8. Take an Evening Hike: Bundle up for a moonlight stroll along the Rim...Read more

JOGS Gem and Jewelry Show Announces its Southwestern Jewelry Pavilion
Tucson Citizen, January 30th

Giants in the field who join JOGS International Exhibition annually include Al Zuni Global Jewelry, where Nashat Khalaf has been bringing fine Native American jewelry to the public since 1972. Mr Khalaf likes to say that 'Anyone who buys a piece of...Read more

Find the Best Silver Jewelry Buyer So You Don't Sell for Just Scrap Value
MarketWatch (press release), January 27th

Indian or Native American Jewelry. "We love Southwestern silver jewelry with turquoise and coral, like squash blossom necklaces, concho belts and almost anything else. We resell the pieces to jewelry stores in Gallup and Santa Fe, and therefore can pay...Read more

JOGS Gem and Jewelry Show
Independent Retailer, January 23rd

JOGS also has more than 100 booths dedicated to Native American Jewelry at the Southwestern Pavilion, which features contemporary, antique and reproductions from various tribes such as the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi. Other popular pavilions include the...Read more

Determination and plenty of imagination lead to Diamond Street
therapidian, January 17th

The store, located at 337 Diamond Ave SE, is a feast for the eyes: rows of hanging vintage clothing, posed mannequins, Native American jewelry, hanging cowboy boots and a salon area with a big yellow duck chair. In her own words, Imagination Creations...Read more

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