Seven Surprising Facts about Native American Jewelry

You may have a special affinity towards a native American turquoise necklace or a turquoise heishi necklace, but you barely know this jewelry well. In this regard, here are seven surprising facts about Native American jewelry for your reference.

Seven surprising facts about Native American Jewelries

It’s an ancient art form.

The jewelry-like Native American turquoise necklace has cultural and historical significance. Many indigenous tribes have been creating this jewelry for thousands of years. Craftsmanship is a tradition that passes through generations and cannot be imitated by any artificial machinery. The styles and designs of the jewelry take inspiration from the cultures, spiritual beliefs, and nature. From the American Indians from the northeast to those in the Southwest, each unique nation has a specific skill. Some pieces have been discovered that are as old as the earliest times of the Anasazi, Maya, Aztecs, and the Inca.

There is a function to this jewelry.

These traditional jewelry are not just or adornments, but they also signify wealth, rank, and social hierarchy within a tribe. The wealth of the indigenous people was often in terms of portable assets. Jewelry was not just a piece of embellishment or decoration, but they are like wearable banks. It can be used for trade and even used as secret messages during war or espionage. Traditionally they also represent the tribe’s history and individuality. Some pieces are carried around for generations.

So many different types of materials used for a piece.

Several precious and semi-precious stones were used to make Native American jewelry. Some of the popular studded jewelry is turquoise heishi necklaces. Turquoise is the most famously used stone in jewelry making; other stones popularly used are Charoite, Garnets, and Gaspeite stones. Copper was also extensively used in jewelry making before silversmithing rose to fame in the later centuries with the arrival of Europeans. The Cherokee tribe uses copper jewelry as they live near the copper mines. Bead jewelry is still very commonly seen jewelry that is sewn into clothes as well.

Turquoise has a significant role in the jewelry making

The unique appearance and color of turquoise are some of the identifiable traits of Native American Jewelry. It was also exceptionally uncommon to find one of the oldest stones to be used in jewelry making. Traditionally they were very prized and had a deep spiritual association, often dubbed as the “fallen sky stone.”

Animal products are also used to make jewelry

Native Americans used many animal products creatively to create unique designs. Teeth, bones, horns, and even animal hides were intricately crafted to make stunning pieces. Even plant fibers and tendons of animals were used to string beads together. Many tribes used marine shells like clams, conch, and oysters to ground into beads. Mother of pearl stones was regarded as special adornments worn by both men and women. You will also find rare jewelry pieces made up of porcupine quills strung together.

Every tribe has its unique style of jewelry making.

The distinctive style of jewelry making of every tribe adds to the charm. The Navajo used the art of silversmithing adopted from the Europeans to create some of the most iconic jewelry that we see today. They perfected the inlay work and used large chunks of turquoise predominantly. Motives like flowers, beadworks, and squash blossoms made the designs more attractive. The Hopi tribe creates unique three-dimensional silver patterns that look like pottery or textile designs. Zuni native jewelry showcases large chunky stone fetishes and delicate beadworks. Exquisitely carved beads and inlaid chips of turquoise are some of the special traits of this jewelry.

Many cheap imitations are available.

Native jewelry made with genuine turquoise stones is an investment. Getting the real thing will promote the cultural heritage of the indigenous tribe and support their local community economically as well. However, there are many cheap imitations available in the market. The most tell-tale sign of a cheap imitation is the excess display of perfection. The jewelry is handcrafted; hence each piece will be unique. Most still use the traditional methods of jewelry making with tools handed down through generations. If you find pieces in a store that are identical to each other, they are probably fake.

End Thoughts

New Mexico Gems, a platform set by genuine Navajo and Zuni tribal sellers, has reportedly one of the largest Native American jewelry necklaces’ collections. Apart from that, you can find pretty much any native ornament you may want. Moreover, as each of their jewelry comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and embedded hallmarks, you need not worry about their originality. The platform has also been operational for quite a few years now and has relatively one of the largest fanbases of tribal arts and pieces. For more information, visit New Mexico Gems today.