The large #8 Turquoise stone on this ring is set in a traditional Native American silver setting to showcase the stunning, green-blue turquoise and rust colored matrix beautifully. Ring is approximately size 8.75, and can be worn on any finger for dramatic effect.
This medium sized pendant has a simple and traditional Native American design with a gorgeous #8 Turquoise stone. The stone is a creamy, light green-blue with brown, and measures approximately 3/4 inches across. Pendant comes with a simple, 18 inch silver cable chain. Stones vary in size, shape and color. A heavier silver snake or cable chain could be used to achieve a different look.
This beautiful, sleek silver collar looks fantastic with turquoise, silver or multi-stone pendants. The collar is approximately 1/8 inch wide and 16 inches long. Collar can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This elegant silver collar looks fantastic with turquoise, silver or multi-stone pendants. The collar is approximately 3/16 inches wide and 16 inches long. Collar can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This stylish silver rope chain has been oxidized to give it a rustic, vintage look. This style of chain is ideal for traditional Native American or vintage pieces, which have an oxidized finish. Chain is 18 inches long.
This sleek silver Omega chain is a perfect companion to a silver, turquoise or multi-stone pendant. The chain is approximately 1/4 inch wide and 18 inches long.
The sleek look of this silver snake chain goes well with either traditional Native American or contemporary pendants and jewelry. This can also be worn well in combination with other necklaces for a trendy mix-and-match look. Chain measures 18 inches long.
This necklace blends elements of traditional Native American beadwork, including light turquoise, flat and round beads, intermingled with round and rectangular silver drum beads. Necklace measures 18 inches long. Stones vary in color.
This simple and elegant chain is a good companion for a small or medium sized pendant, as a stand-alone piece, or in combination with other necklaces for a fashionable mix-and-match look. Chain is 20 inches long.
The sleek look of this silver snake chain goes well with either traditional Native American or contemporary pendants and jewelry. This can also be worn well in combination with other necklaces for a trendy mix-and-match look. Chain measures 20 inches long.
This necklace blends elements of traditional Native American beadwork, including light turquoise, flat beads, intermingled with rectangular silver drum beads. In the mid-section, beads are separated by spacers to give a full, artistic look. Necklace measures 24 inches long. Stones vary in color.
This necklace has a very traditional Native American design, with flat turquoise and spiny oyster beads intermingled with rectangular, stamped silver drums. At 24 inches, this necklace is a typical length for this genre. Stones vary in color.
This stunning bracelet has five round and oblong turquoise stones in a stamped silver cuff. This piece shows off the best of Navajo design elements and traditional Southwestern gem stones. The cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This stunning bracelet has seven, channel-inlay spiny oyster stones in a stamped silver cuff. The combination of traditional Navajo elements and spiny oyster gemstones works perfectly in this piece. The cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This innovative, feather design, wrap-around ring can be adjusted to fit ring sizes 5.5 to 7. The ring is a masterpiece of creative design and craftsmanship. Measures approximately 1 1/4 inches from top to bottom on the top of the finger.
Blue Bird Turquoise brings this simple but detailed traditional Native American cuff bracelet to life. The signature bright turquoise blue of the Blue Bird Turquoise Mine is simply glowing in this classic silver cuff setting. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most small and medium sizes. Stones vary in color, shape and size.
This green-blue Blue Gem Turquoise gemstone with small brown and rust accents is harmoniously set in a traditional Native American silver cuff setting with three prongs. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most small and medium sizes. Stones vary in color, shape and size.
This medium sized pendant has a simple and traditional Native American design with a gorgeous Blue Gem turquoise stone. The stone is a radiant green-blue with brown, and measures approximately 1/2 inch to 5/8 inches across. Pendant comes with a simple, 18 inch flat-drawn silver cable chain. Stones vary in size, shape and color. A heavier silver snake or cable chain could be used to achieve a different look.
This dazzling and traditional necklace is a showpiece of the Native American Squash Blossom Design and brilliant, light blue, Blue Ridge turquoise. The earrings match the necklace, with 7/16 inch turquoise stones set in silver twist wire with silver bead balls. The necklace measures 20 inches, and earrings hang 7/8 inches below the wire.
This simple design highlights the classic light blue turquoise stone for which the Blue Bird mine is famous. The stone measures approximately 3/4 inch from top to bottom, and the silver chain is 16 inches long.
This dazzling pendant pairs a one-of-a-kind boulder turquoise stone with a simple green-blue oval turquoise stone for dramatic effect. Each boulder turquoise stone has a vein of brilliant turquoise surrounded by earthy grey, gold and white hues in the host stone. Stones vary widely in color and shape. Pendants measure from 1 7/8 inches to 2 inches from top to bottom. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
This pendant is both dazzling and earthy at the same time. You have to see these one of a kind boulder turquoise stones to appreciate the brilliance of the turquoise veins, and beautiful blend of browns, golds and rusts embedded in a creamy white stone. Pendants measure from 1 3/8 inches to 1 5/8 inches from top to bottom. These stones vary widely in size, shape, color and pattern. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
This bracelet is elegant and eye-catching. The smooth, perfectly shaped 5/8 inch wide silver cuff houses a stunning, unique boulder turquoise stone with brown and gold matrix in a cream colored stone. The compliments never stop with this piece. Stones vary widely in color, shape and size. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This bracelet is elegant and eye-catching. The smooth, perfectly shaped 5/8 inch wide silver cuff houses a stunning, unique boulder turquoise stone with brown and gold matrix in a cream colored stone. The compliments never stop with this piece. Stones vary widely in color, shape and size. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This bracelet is elegant and eye-catching. The smooth, perfectly shaped 5/8 inch wide silver cuff houses a stunning, unique boulder turquoise stone with brown and gold matrix in a cream colored stone. The compliments never stop with this piece. Stones vary widely in color, shape and size. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This bright blue turquoise gemstone with small black accents is harmoniously set in a traditional Native American silver cuff setting with three prongs. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most small and medium sizes. Stones vary in color, shape and size.
This bright blue turquoise gemstone with small black accents is harmoniously set in a traditional Native American silver cuff setting with three prongs. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most small and medium sizes. Stones vary in color, shape and size.
These clip-on earrings offer unique functionality with a traditional style. With a 3/4 inch silver bead ball and surrounding silver bead ball border, these earrings have a formal and classic look that suits many styles. Approximately 1 inch diameter.
This simple, native-made pendant houses a Chinese Turquoise stone with the characteristic deep blue color with a dark brown or black matrix. Pendant measures from 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches from top to bottom. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
This pendant showcases two light blue turquoise stones joined by two small silver bead balls. Pendants measure approximately 1 3/8 from top to bottom. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.Stones vary in color, shape and size.
This charming set is perfect for a collector of classics or for a newbie to turquoise and Native American jewelry. The light green-blue Dry Creek Turquoise stones are have a glow against the simple silver setting. Stones measure approximately 3/8 inches across, and the pendant comes with a simple and delicate, 18 inch silver chain.
A large, incredible #8 Turquoise stone is the centerpiece of this simply designed pendant. The stone is a light blue-green with beautiful, rust-colored spider web matrix throughout. Pendant comes with a 20 inch long and short silver cable chain, but would look terrific at any length. Stones vary in size, shape and color.
This green-blue turquoise gemstone with small brown and rust accents is harmoniously set in a traditional Native American silver cuff setting with three prongs. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most small and medium sizes. Stones vary in color, shape and size.
This traditional bracelet has a stamped silver cuff with a green turquoise stone. This design has a distinct Native American look that could be worn by either men or women. The cuff can be adjusted as needed.
This native-made ring sets a large Chinese Turquoise stone on a 7/16 inch wide silver band. This ring can be worn well on any finger for a dramatic impression. Chinese turquoise stones vary in color widely, from green-blue to deep blue with black matrix.
These earrings have a round turquoise half-round stone post with a square turquoise stone drop. The Kingman turquoise in these pieces are a light green-blue hue with a creamy sheen and tiny flecks of gold . Approximately 1 3/4 inches from top to bottom.
These deep blue Kingman turquoise earrings have a rustic look, with brown accents and a traditional Native American twist wire border. Stones vary in size and color.
This stunning cuff bracelet is a masterpiece of traditional silver work and a large, magnificent #8 Turquoise gemstone. The creamy, light green blue of the stone is artistically set off by the even rust-colored matrix throughout. The stone measures an impressive 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches across. This dramatic piece will garner compliments and comments every time it is worn. Stones like this are hard to come by.
This large, oval #8 Turquoise stone is a fabulous gemstone. The smooth, creamy green-blue stone measures approximately 1 inch by 3/4 inch. Pendant comes with an 18 inch silver flat drawn cable chain. Stones vary in size, shape and color. A heavier silver snake or cable chain could be used to achieve a different look.
This contemporary design is simply fantastic. The piece has 11 teardrop-shaped deep blue-green Kingman turquoise stones on a thick, 16 inch silver chain. This necklace is can be worn easily with other southwestern or contemporary jewelry. Stones vary in size, shape and color.
These knockout earrings pair a boulder turquoise stone with a blue or blue green turquoise oval stone and two silver bead balls. The turquoise of the oval stone brings out the dramatic turquoise vein in the boulder turquoise in a most dramatic way. Earrings hang approximately 1 inch to 1 3/4 inches below the post. Stones vary widely in color, size and shape.
This simple, oval pendant has a jagged vein of turquoise running right through it. With a large boulder turquoise stone such as this, admirers will appreciate the fine details of natures own form of inlay. Pendant measures approximately 2 inches from top to bottom. Due to the wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, no two stones will ever look exactly alike. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
This simple pendant has as single, large deep blue turquoise stone with rust matrix. Pendants measure from 1 7/8 inches to 2 inches from top to bottom. Stones vary in color, shape and size. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
This contemporary design is simply fantastic. The piece has 11 teardrop-shaped green Kingman turquoise slabs on a thick, 16 inch silver chain. This necklace is a show-stopper, and can be worn easily with any style of jewelry. Stones vary in size, shape and color.
This simple pendant has as single, wide green turquoise stone with rust matrix. Pendants measure approximately 1 1/2 inches from top to bottom, and 1 inch wide. Stones vary in color, shape and size. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
This simple pendant has as single, large light blue turquoise stone with rust matrix. Pendants measure from 1 7/8 inches to 2 inches from top to bottom. Stones vary in color, shape and size. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
These large, pounded silver hoops hang from a fishhook wire so that they face forward, giving them a completely contemporary and fashionable look. Earrings measure approximately 2 1/8 inches below the wire.
This turquoise charm necklace boasts four distinct light blue and deep blue stones with gold and brown matrix. The simple, 16 inch leather cord makes this ideal for casual, every day use.
These contemporary-looking White Buffalo stones are in hot demand, and this pendant will show off the unique black and white pieces perfectly. The large stone and simple silver setting are just the right combination of tradition and dramatic flair. The stone measures approximately 1 1/4 inches across. Pendant comes with a stylish 18 inch silver chain. Stones vary in shape and size. This pendant could be paired with a silver collar or leather cord to achieve a different look.
This pendant blends a native Southwestern, arrowhead shaped blue green turquoise stone with a simple oval stone and small silver bead balls in a unique contemporary design. Pendant measures approximately 2 inches from top to bottom. Stones vary in size, shape and color. Pendant comes without a chain, but would be paired well with an Omega Chain or Silver Collar.
During the second half of the 19th century, through trade, observation, and the assimilation of ideas, Native Americans adopted the skills necessary to become master silversmiths by emulating some of the silverwork of the Spanish, while also utilizing some of the stamp designs of the Mexican blacksmiths. Already experienced jewelers, the adaptation of foreign designs did not interfere with Native American innovation or originality when creating silver jewelry.
Early Silver Jewelry Techniques
Produced for everyday wear, the majority of silver jewelry during the 1870s through the early 1880s was heavy in weight and minimal in pattern. Working with the crudest of tools, early Navajo and Pueblo silversmiths used chisels in the method of scratching and engraving to create designs on bracelets and rings. Inspired by the iron punches used by Mexican blacksmiths in stamping leather, the Southwestern silversmiths made dies to imprint designs on silver, essentially allowing for a diversity of styles while implementing an easier means of achieving them. During this period, because of the inability to solder, silver jewelry did not contain any stonework.
From the late 1880s through 1900, the railroad expansion into the southwest brought improved tools, which inspired new ideas for silver jewelry design. Two methods of design, repoussage and appliqué, persisted during this period. By hammering the underside of bracelets, pendants and rings, the method of respoussage enabled the creation of unique patterns. The technique of appliqué allowed the embellishment of stones and shell on articles of silver jewelry. By soldering slivers of silver onto articles of jewelry, turquoise quickly changed the view of Native American silver jewelry. The ability to adorn silver with stones aroused innovation among the Navajo and Zuni, while motivating the Hopi to adopt a style completely their own.
Navajo Silver Jewelry
The Navajo were the first of the Southwestern tribes to learn how to silversmith, and they incorporated silver in their jewelry primarily as a vessel for turquoise. Using the stone as the centerpiece in bracelets and rings, Navajo silversmiths fashioned the silver so as not to distract from the sky stone. Another form of silver jewelry, the concho belt, consists of square and oval discs of silver, often adorned with turquoise. Although early concha belts were plain silver attached to leather, improved skills allowed the Navajo to solder the discs together, creating the style of concha belt that is famous to the Southwest today. The squash blossom necklace is made of a combination of round silver beads, blossom shaped silver beads with slivers, resembling petals, protruding from the end of them. The squash blossoms, intermittently spread between sets of beads, are complemented by the naja, which is a crescent shaped pendant that hangs from the necklace.
Zuni Silver Jewelry
Inspired by their prehistoric ancestors, the mosaic shell work of the Hohokam and Anazasi motivated the inlay technique of modern Zuni silversmiths. By creating channels made of silver bevels, mosaic shell, spiny oyster, jet and turquoise are intricately placed on articles of silver, including bracelets, pendants, belt buckles, and rings. Two popular silver jewelry designs of the Zuni are the Knife-Wing, also known as Thunderbird, and the Dragonfly, represented by the double-barred cross, a fusion of prehistoric and contemporary designs. The double-barred cross is extremely popular among the Rio Grande pueblos.
Hopi Silver Jewelry
Advocating the beauty of the silver itself, Hopi silversmiths are renowned for their overlay work in constructing silver jewelry. The process of overlay consists of two sheets of silver of equal size. A design is cut out from one sheet of metal and then on top of the other sheet. The background, or whole, is then oxidized until it is black. The remaining silver that is not overlayed is polished to remove excess oxidation and to highlight the differences. One silver jewelry design that the Hopi are well known for is the Kokopelli, which is a hunched over flute player often decorated with jet, coral, white shell, and turquoise.
Cherokee Silver Jewelry
Advocating the relevancy of the Cherokee language in its present and historical context, modern Cherokee silversmiths have incorporated the importance of the written word through various designs of silver jewelry, including, but not limited too, lapel pins and bracelets, often engraved with the words Tsa La Gi, which, in their native tongue, translates to Cherokee.
Stones from the famous Royston turquoise mine have long been coveted for their rare mix of both blue and green turquoise. We love these stones and couldn't resist putting together a beautiful jewelry collection based on the turquoise from this noted mine.
Native American Jewelry .com is the trusted Internet source for Native American Indian silver jewelry, including silver rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
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