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.