The History of Navajo Jewelry and Its Significance

Some of the best pieces of Native American jewelry are made by Navajo artists, and many of these wearable artworks are sought-after by jewelry enthusiasts and collectors around the world. The Navajo started out as a nomadic society, and back then, their symbols of prestige and prominence were beaded necklaces, concho ornaments, and decorated bow guards. The Navajo wore jewelry acquired from trade and conquest, too, and the pieces were made of silver, copper, and brass. Certain pieces were worn to express a sense of pride and showcase beauty.

The Spanish introduced silversmithing to Native Americans in the Southwest, including the Navajo. Since then, tribes and pueblos have developed and perfected their own unique techniques and styles of jewelry making, which they passed down from generation to generation. These time-honored methods of making Navajo jewelry are considered art forms. Navajo artists use hand tools and traditional techniques to create designs that rely on skill, patience, and imagination rather than machinery. No piece is exactly like another.

Tufa casting and sand-casting are two of the prominent methods of jewelry making that are still used by contemporary Navajo artists. The techniques require the silversmith to carve a mold into which molten silver is poured Often the molds will be destroyed after a single use Tufa cast bracelets, pendants, rings, and other pieces of jewelry often feature intricate designs and details that took a great amount of skill and time to complete.

Navajo jewelry is distinctive for its use of turquoise. Sources for this wonderful stone include mines primarily found in Arizona and Nevada. The lovely blue stone is considered by the Navajo to be a gift from the heavens. Hence, some of the earliest forms of valuable Navajo pieces were carved turquoise beads. The stone was associated with happiness, good luck, and healing. Navajo jewelry can also include beautiful coral, lapis, and other materials.

Look for Designer Jewelry by Rebecca Begay Online

Rebecca Begay has been an artist since she was young, but it was with help from her husband Darryl that she learned the tufa casting method, which she soon incorporated in her creations. Working with tufa enabled her to create abstract designs and images on her jewelry. Her designs typically start out as drawings before she carves and casts them. Each designer piece she makes has a unique touch, since she carves new molds for every cast. When you buy a Rebecca Begay piece, you are buying something nobody else has.

Many of Rebecca’s one-of-a-kind pieces are sold online, but be careful. Make sure that you are buying from an authorized retailer that specializes in carrying a wide selection of Native American jewelry by different artists. This is the best way to ensure that you are getting the genuine article.

Some of Rebecca Begay's most notable creations are bracelets and pendants that feature pops of color from gems and stones like turquoise, mother of pearl, lapis lazuli, and coral. Color is one of the most important features in her pieces of jewelry, and since she uses only the finest gems, you can be sure that you are investing in highly collectible jewelry that can add value to your collection. Rebecca's inspiration for her designer jewelry mainly comes from who she is—an artist mother, Navajo woman, and Christian, 

When purchasing Rebecca Begay jewelry online, always make sure that it is from a source that is reputable and known to carry authentic Native American pieces. No matter what you buy, make sure that it comes with a certificate of authenticity to guarantee the name of the artist, the materials she used, her tribal affiliation, and the piece's retail value. Some retailers work closely with Rebecca Begay, too, so they may be able to order custom pieces on your behalf.

Tips for Buying Vintage Native American Jewelry

Native American jewelry pieces are typically valued as collectibles, especially vintage ones. Owning a vintage piece or two can certainly add more value to your collection. Native Americans are known for their superb craftsmanship and their penchant for using only the finest materials in their jewelry, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their culture, lifestyle, events, and unique stories from every tribe. You can buy vintage Native American jewelry online, but be sure to explore these tips to make sure that you are buying authentic and high-quality pieces: 

• Buy only from an established and reputable retailer – Verify the seller's background and reputation by looking up feedback and reviews online. The best retailers are known to work with numerous Native American artists, so they are authorized to carry and sell the pieces, too.
• Choose retailers that deal directly with Native American jewelers and turquoise miners – Without the middlemen, they are able to offer Native American pieces to you at highly competitive prices. Make sure that they are established retailers that have been in the business for at least four decades. This way, you can be confident that you are buying authentic pieces from a reputable and trustworthy business.

• Look for a certificate of authenticity – Genuine vintage Native American jewelry comes with its proof of authenticity to assure collectors of the name of its artist, retail value, materials used, and the tribal affiliation.

• Take a closer look at the piece and examine signs of its authenticity – Authentic Native American jewelry typically has the signature of the silversmith, a hallmark, or both. However, take note that not all Native American artists sign their work, so the absence of those elements does not necessarily compromise authenticity. If the piece is not signed, take a look at the quality and type of materials that were used. Authentic vintage Native American jewelry is typically made of sterling silver, often utilizing gem-grade turquoise or coral