Home » Entertainment

Handmade Navajo Jewelry

9 Comments

10 Like

Like 10

Pin It

Ranked #10,440 in Entertainment, #128,359 overall

Navajo Jewelry- Native Beauty and Tradition

The Navajo are an Athabascan people who migrated into the Four Corners region of the American southwest roughly 600 years ago. When they settled there, they were farmers and herders. However, when they came into contact with the Spaniards, they learned silver smithing skills and soon became top-notch jewelry designers.

Today, the most popular Navajo materials are silver, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, and malachite. They also use black onyx and several varieties of oyster shell.

Traditionally Navajo jewelry employed only materials found in the area where they lived, or traded for with other area residents. Today, however, they have expanded the numbers and types of gemstones they use, taking full advantage of internet suppliers and gem and mineral fairs.
Almost any gemstone can be incorporated into a fine Navajo design.

A Few Silver-smithing Techniques

I wanted to present just a handful of ways Navajo artisans create their silver pieces.

One common technique is casting, or molding, in which the molten silver is poured into a mold.
Sand casting is a variation on this form, where the mold is made of sand and the course grainy marks are left in the finished piece.

Silver may also be hammered or braided.

Maker's Marks

Navajo silversmiths often use a "maker's mark", or stamp, to identify their work. Usually found on the back of a silver piece, the mark may be a full signature, or the designer's initials, used either alone or in conjunction with a symbol such as a feather or other shape of personal significance.

There is a two-volume book which identifies over 1000 of these Native American marks, not only Navajo, but also Hopi and Zuni.

Most respectable retailers will have a copy of this information on hand. Be sure to ask.

What is "Old Pawn", or "Dead Pawn"?

Old pawn, or dead pawn, is the term used for pawned items that have not been redeemed by the borrower. Old pawn is especially applied to Native American items pawned for trade prior to the 1970s.

Many collectors get excited about old pawn items because they are often exceptional pieces. Historically, indians often used trading post pawn shops as a type of bank. Nice items were pawned and only brought out for special occasions.

Books About Navajo Jewelry

Some great resources to help you find out more about this great tradition and those who pursue it.

Navajo Jewelry and Accessories

These gorgeous creations are the perfect touch for any southwest outfit.

Navajo Jewelry Auctions

These auctions are a great way to add to your Navajo jewelry collection without always paying the premiums charged by some western outfitters and jewelry stores!

Make sure you check the reliability of your seller, and enjoy browsing the hundreds of other offerings.

Navajo Jewelry Shops and Information

Visit these other websites for more details on Navajo jewelry designs, history and sales.

Navajo Jewelry at gonavajo.com: Having perfected an art believed to have been taught by the early Spanish explorers. Navajo Jewelers have combined traditional methods with modern methods and tools to produce Navajo Jewelry that is unique to the Navajo people.

Navajo Nation Links

The links here will lead you to other info about the Navajo, their history, and their art. Enjoy!

Navajo Nation: Official site of the Navajo Nation government
Explore Navajo: Visitor Guide with events and attractions listings.
Navajo Nation Parks: There are numerous parks on Navajo lands. This site provides info.
Navajo Central: FAQs and other info about life on the Navajo Nation
Navajo Wikipedia: The article about the Navajo Nation at wikipedia.com

Do you love Native Design?

If you own or love Native jewelry or other arts, drop in and tell me about it!

Reply

River_Rose Dec 21, 2011 @ 3:44 pm | delete

Don't own any, but it is beautiful !

Reply

Johncatanzaro Apr 25, 2011 @ 2:33 pm | delete

I like this lense, very infomative

Reply

bakerwoman Mar 31, 2011 @ 12:56 am | delete

Just adore Navajo designs. These are part of my wardrobe.

Reply

HughSimpson Nov 30, 2010 @ 2:48 pm | delete

You might like my new lense at http://www.squidoo.com/native-american-museum-quality-artifacts where I feature my friend's high end Native Am bricks and mortar store in Atlanta. Whoopi Goldberg spent $32,5000 there in her Atlanta visit.

Reply

HughSimpson Nov 30, 2010 @ 2:48 pm | delete

You might like my new lense at http://www.squidoo.com/native-american-museum-quality-artifacts where I feature my friend's high end Native Am bricks and mortar store in Atlanta. Whoopi Goldberg spent $32,5000 there in her Atlanta visit.