A Brief Insight into Navajo Jewelry

Though the history of Navajo jewelry is nearly 12,000 years old, it first gained attention in the 1850s when Atsidi Sani, the first Native American silversmith, impressed everyone with his magnificent work that included conchos, beaded Native American bracelets, and a variety of other jewelry items. Turquoise was later used in combination with silver, somewhere in the 1900s, by Atsidi Chon, another prominent figure in Native American jewelry making. Since then, silver and turquoise have been one of the most important and prominent parts of Native American jewelry crafting!

The motifs commonly found in Navajo Indian jewelry and art items often include flowers, leaves, beads, and hand stamp work. Also, the stones used in them are usually large, chunky, but beautiful and make you fall in love with them. Made up of beaded silver, the squash blossom necklace by the Navajo is the most popular and unique piece of jewelry made by the Native American tribe and since the late 19th century, these necklaces have literally dominated the Navajo jewelry style. Not to forget the gorgeous Naja pendant (in the shape of an inverted crescent) that gives the finishing touch. The squash blossom necklaces are popular – not only among Native American jewelry but in the whole necklace industry!

While the Zuni, another Native American tribe, is credited to first perfected Inlay style jewelry, they are Navajo Indians who have become some of the most prolific inlayers around. The design of inlay generally starts with a piece of jewelry, generally in Sterling Silver, with channels or voids that allow the piece to be inlaid with numerous color combinations and gemstone cuts. 
If you are a fan of the Navajo Indian jewelry and art or looking for beaded Native American bracelets, shop from the best stores online and bring this centuries-old cultural heritage to your wardrobe.