Na Na Ping Jewelry: A Must Have Fashion Statement Accessory

Na Na Ping is a name that stands out when it comes to contemporary Native American Jewelry. In fact, he is recognized worldwide for the bold and elegant jewelry that he makes using modern and cutting-edge inlay techniques. Na Na Ping is also known as 'Michael Garcia,' and his creativity and expertise in making jewelry has earned him numerous awards. Some of his most popular creations are bracelets, pins, and pendants that are prized for their stones and their uniquely intricate designs. 

His skills were the result of hard work and inspiration. After graduating with a business degree at Arizona State University, he started making jewelry and honed his talent and skills over time. Na Na Ping initially experimented with inlay methods using semi-precious stones like sugilite, varascite, jade, and turquoise. He began to make a name for himself out of his unique ability to create mosaics of color out of complex cuts and placing them on heavy sterling silver shanks. This way, he is able to create distinctive pieces with a unique edge and character to each one of them.

Na Na Ping's method of creating mosaics make each piece look like the design is floating without the sterling silver underneath. This illusion gives his jewelry a special touch, especially on his pins and pendants. The rare gem grade Orville Jack turquoise and sugilite dragonfly design pin and the rare high grade Morenci turquoise and sugilite dragonfly design pin/pendant are perfect examples of that effect. 

Bracelets by Na Na Ping are made out of rare and precious stones that are not likely to be found anywhere else in the world. The Peacock, for instance, is a calcacitirite and varascite with traces of turquoise that is difficult to classify and mined only from north central Nevada. Na Na Ping took the one-of-a-kind gem from his own collection and crafted a stunning wide cuff bracelet, which features more than 1700 carats from a single nugget. He raised the stones in a wide channel to prevent the sterling silver below from showing.

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.

Three Famous Native American Jewelry Artists

Native American jewelry is truly unique. Each piece speaks volumes about culture and history, skill and heritage, beauty and emotions. If you are looking to collect or purchase Native American jewelry, here are three famous artists you should know about:

1. Thomas Curtis – Award-winning Navajo jeweler, Thomas Curtis, had over 50 years of experience in creating jewelry professionally. He is best known for silver jewelry pieces that are stamped with amazing and intricate designs, such as an interwoven look. Thomas used hardened steel and then carved it with chisels to create his outstanding stamps. He honed his skills since childhood and his creations continue to be sought after by serious collectors. His simple yet elegant designs set the standard for many contemporary artists of today and he remains a pioneer in world class Native American jewelry.

2. Julian Lovato – A master craftsman, Julian Lovato is known for his intricate and highly collectible jewelry. He is an excellent silver and goldsmith, and his pieces masterfully incorporate elegant metal work with precious stones such as turquoise and coral. Coming from a family of jewelry makers, Julian worked as a stone cutter and a silver monogrammer. Some of his pieces include brooches, cufflinks, rings, buckles and exquisite necklaces. Aside from jewelry, Julian Lovato also made collectible teapots, pitchers, silver bowls, and trays. He remains an icon in the world of Native American jewelry.

3. Liz Wallace – Innovative and revolutionary, Liz Wallace is a contemporary jewelry artist who specializes in the use of natural turquoise stones. She is inspired by nature, creating pieces that depict dragonflies and butterflies and other creatures. Wallace’s parents are both silver and goldsmiths. Her unique pieces make her works more than just jewelry but rather an art. Some of her creations can be found in museums throughout the country.

You can purchase wonderful pieces from these famous Native American jewelry artists online. With their popularity, you might stumble upon look-alikes, but they are nowhere near the quality and mastery of the originals. Make sure the pieces you purchase from Native American jewelry artists come with a certificate of authenticity.