When it comes to Native American jewelry, there is a wealth of different earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more to choose from. One of the most interesting aspects is that often, every piece has a story, steeped in the history and culture of the native peoples of the Southwest. Entirely unique from other cultures, the jewelry often contains materials such as turquoise, spiny oyster, sterling silver, and other gorgeous elements.
Why has Native American jewelry become such a mainstay around the world today? Well, Palms Trading Company has collected a bit about the history and creation of Native American jewelry below!
The History of Native American Jewelry in the Southwest
For hundreds of years, Native American tribes in the Southwest have been using materials in their area to create one-of-a-kind jewelry that can’t be found anywhere else. In the mid-1800s, the native peoples of the Southwest learned the art of silversmithing from European travelers and soon, tribes began passing down the art from one generation to the next.
The two foremost tribes in the Southwest known for creating eye-catching jewelry are the:
- Navajo: Working primarily with silver and stone, the Navajo are known for creating squash blossom necklaces with crescent-shaped najas and stamp work set with turquoise. Worn by important members of the Navajo tribe, such pieces were considered symbols of power. Another popular style of Navajo jewelry is concho style jewelry, which can be found adorning everything from belts to hair accessories and typically showcases a reposed rosette.
- Zuni: The jewelry of the Zuni people is focused on lapidary work and they’re very skilled at inlaying stones into metal. Additional types of recognizable Zuni jewelry include needlepoint and petit point stones, precisely cut and set within various sterling silver backdrops.
Not only is unique silver and stone jewelry beautiful and a great conversation starter, but it also demonstrates an important dedication to history and cross-cultural connection.
Contact Palms Trading Company to order your Native American jewelry!
If you want to shop from some of today’s most breathtaking Native American jewelry, contact Palms Trading Company online today or call 1 (800) 748-1656.