الاثنين، 14 أبريل 2014

The History Of Navajo Jewelry

By Anita Ortega


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.

The earliest efforts of these crafts men were tailored after the medallions found on the Spaniards horses. They soon developed a market for their wares with their own tribes and that market eventually grew to include other tribes and the European explorers and travelers who were passing through their territory. Their work was highly sought after because of the beautiful accents they were able to develop.

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.

Jewelers today often arrange the stones in the form of animals or craft the silver into them for ear rings or broaches. They have also branched to other gem stones like opals and mother of pearl. The quality of the work when created by authentic Native American artists mirrors the work of their ancestors in beauty and design.

A technique that has proven to produce a more ornate look for larger pieces is die casting. With metal dies the artist imprints images on the silver by striking the die with a hammer. This technique, if done properly produces a crisp, sharp image of foliage or hieroglyphs into the body of the piece. Other designs are also available from individual artists.

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.

The pieces can be large and showy or small and ornate. What you select is a personal decision but either way you can expect to receive something that you can be proud to wear and display. Many collectors consider them to be family heirlooms.




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