Native American Indian Jewelry
Turquoise Jewelry, Turquoise Rings, Squash Blossoms and more
Native American Indian jewelry from the tribes of the southwest is as varied as the tribes themselves. However, the Native American jewelry which most people envision tends to be similar to the Navajo jewelry, Hopi jewelry and Zuni jewelry. The term Native American custom jewelry is sometimes used. Most Native American Indian jewelry is custom in that it is handmade and, due to various methods and tools, tends to reflect the interpretation of a particular artist. The constant wear on some of the tools as well as the process dictates that virtually no two pieces are identical.
Shop for Jewelry in our American Indian Store
Some of the most popular Native American Jewelry is turquoise jewelry such as turquoise necklaces, turquoise bracelets, turquoise pendants and rings. The most recognizable Native American jewelry is probably the Navajo silver jewelry. The squash blossoms are popular as are the Navajo turquoise jewelry, all of which is still similar to the jewelry traded at the old west trading posts during the early turn of the century. The Navajo are the largest American Indian tribe in the southwest and have created extremely popular silver and turquoise jewelry since the late 1800s. Much of the Navajo silver jewelry tends to have a bold, and in many cases, worn look.
Some of the more recognizable styles of Native American jewelry other than the Navajo jewelry are the Hopi jewelry as well as the Native American inlay jewelry which is often associated with the Zuni jewelry makers.
Most of the Pueblo Indians have their own style of jewelry with one of the most popular being the Santo Domingo Pueblo heishe jewelry made by the Santo Domingo jewelry makers. This Santo Domingo heishe is especially popular in necklaces.
Some popular styles of jewelry are:
Please see our “Indian Symbols” page which describes some of the more popular of the numerous symbols used by the Native American jewelry artists.
Whenever possible, your Native American silver jewelry should be stored in an air tight bag in such a manner that it is not rubbing against other items. Cleaning of the silver jewelry should be done with a 100% cotton cloth or a cloth designed specifically for cleaning silver jewelry. You may use a silver cleaner spray, foam or paste, however the paste is not recommended for silver jewelry which also contains stones. If you are using a spray for Native American silver jewelry which may have porous gemstones, make sure that the spray is meant to be used on “porous” stones. Do not use a circular type of motion while cleaning as it may cause scratches. If you find it necessary to use a brush, use a jewelry brush.
As with all Native American Indian art, which particular Native American Indian jewelry a person wishes to purchase should be driven by their particular interest in the jewelry itself, the symbols of interest, the style and overall appearance. In many cases, whether the jewelry was done by a Navajo jeweler, a Hopi jeweler, a Zuni jeweler, a Santo Domingo jeweler or one of the other Native American Indian jewelers of other tribes, will be of particular importance. The important part is that the buyer enjoy the piece they have purchased.
Futures for Children American Indian Store attempts to purchase only authentic Native American Indian made merchandise including authentic Native American Indian jewelry whether they are from Navajo jewelry makers, Zuni jewelry makers, Hopi jewelry makers, Santo Domingo jewelry makers or any of the other American Indian tribes. It is our desire to promote not only the education of American Indian Children, but to promote the economy and well being of the American Indian communities of which the Native American Indian artists are a primary contributor.
