THE HISTORY OF TOMMY JACKSON NAVAJO JEWELRY

Collecting Native American jewelry is more than just buying a rare piece of ornament. It is also about appreciating the art, the artists, and the entire Navajo culture. As you grow your collection, you gain more insights and develop a deeper passion. If you want to find out if the works of Tommy Jackson will suit your taste and your jewelry collection, then it’s important to do further research about him. Below are some important details to give you a good start:  

·         Tommy Jackson was from Arizona and is a full-blooded Navajo. Both of his parents were famous silversmiths (Martha and Gene Jackson). He fell in love with the art of silversmithing early on in his life.

·         He graduated with a degree of Elementary Education from the University of Arizona. Sometimes, he still visits Wide Ruins Community School to teach Navajo students not just about jewel-making or arts but also about history, culture, even reading and writing.

·         He is known for combining traditional and modern designs. He often incorporates precious gemstones like turquoise with silver, although he also uses gold and semi-precious stones like sugilite and gaspeite. He creates intricate patterns and makes sure that the stones are perfectly cut and finely polished.

·         He is a master craftsman, notable for his inlay techniques. He was also the mentor of another Navajo-artist named Jim Harrison.

·         Tommy Jackson is considered as one of the most-accomplished silversmiths in his generation. He got many awards and recognition from prestigious shows like Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show, The Museum of Northern Arizona, Heard Museum Show, and the Santa Fe Indian Market. His works are also regularly exhibited in galleries and museums across the country like the Superstition Mountain Museum.

Aside from museums, Tommy Jackson also partners with reputable online jewelry stores. There, you can purchase his original works conveniently and securely.

Jennifer Curtis Jewelry: Best Sterling Silver Jewelry for Your Loved Ones

Jennifer Curtis is one of the most respected women jewelry makers today. She is no ordinary silversmith; whether you are a serious collector or someone who simply fascinated by Navajo culture, you are sure to fall in love with Jennifer Curtis jewelry.

Like other popular Navajo artists, Jennifer Curtis was also born to a family of silversmiths. Her father, Thomas Curtis, is a renowned artist who taught her everything about the trade when she was 8. Most of her works are inspired by her family and her homeland in Dinetah. They have stamps of different symbols that represent the beautiful canyons, the clouds, and even her grandmother's weaving.

Collectors and artists know Jennifer Curtis for her amazing stamp work and fine designs. She always uses heavy-gauge sterling silver, making her work distinct and readily identifiable. She does everything by hand, including bending the sterling silver wire and metal shaft. Jennifer is a master of mixing traditional with innovative styles, creating masterpieces that are classic but also current. Because of her outstanding craftsmanship, Jennifer Curtis has received many first-place awards at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market since 1994.

Bracelets, silver vessels, and wine goblets are some of the popular works of Jennifer Curtis. Buyers also love her earrings, rings, cuffs, and buckles. What makes her sterling silver jewelry pieces captivatingly unique is how they use rare turquoise stones of different colors. Her styles won't only appeal to avid collectors but also to stylish men and women who appreciate fine craftsmanship in contemporary and traditional jewelry.

Jennifer Curtis partners with jewelry shops across the globe so you can have quick access to her collectible jewelry pieces. Some of those shops sell online, too. If you are buying on the internet, make sure that the shop is one of the artist’s trusted partners.

Interesting Facts About Watson Honanie Hopi Jewelry

Thousands of years ago, Paleo-Indians began making ornaments out of the available materials their tribes had, and the tradition continues today. They continue transforming gemstones and precious metals into wearable pieces of jewelry that are sought after by collectors and Native American art enthusiasts. One of the popular names in this industry is Watson Honanie Hopi from the Bear clan, who is known for his stunning silverworks.

Watson started at an early age because of an  influence of his uncles in the Hopi Silvercraft Guild, who are Fred Kabotie and Porter Timecheand. His brother, Phillip, taught him the overlay technique.

What sets apart Watson Honanie Hopi's jewelry pieces from others are the images they depict. Most of his works portray the culture and tradition of the Hopi village and its tribal clans. You will notice that the expertly cut petroglyph images show ceremonial dancers, kachinas belief, and animals. His contribution to the development of gold overlay techniques has made him a famous innovator.

He sometimes incorporates stones and gemstones such as diamond and turquoise to make his pieces more alluring and unique. Though he is known for gold overlay, he also uses sterling silver in handcrafting rings, bracelets, pendants, and other types of jewelry. In fact, some of his pieces today have gold and silver overlay.

Watson Honanie Jewelry has won many awards at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market. He received the Best of Division for his concho belt, which incorporated three types of materials, namely coral, gold, and silver. He also received Best of Class in the same event.

It can be difficult to find a Watson Honanie Hopi piece as some of his works are displayed in galleries across the country, but collectors can still buy them. They are carried by exclusive jewelry shops that specialize in Native American jewelry.