History of Native American Navajo Jewelry

Antique Navajo jewelry dates from the 1880s through the 1900s. Around 1865, Atsidi Sani created the first Navajo jewelry. Atsidi Sani, a Navajo Blacksmith, liked the Silver Trappings that the Spaniards and their horses wore when they arrived at this part in search of gold and silver.

One of the most prominent types of Native American art is silver jewelry. Since prehistoric times, American Indians have used shells and stones as adornments, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that the Navajo learned smithing from Hispanic blacksmiths.

The Navajo had previously traded with the Santo Domingo Indians of the Rio Grande area for turquoise and turquoise beads. Turquoise was initially used in Navajo jewelry in the early 1880s, and by 1885, Navajo Turquoise Jewelry was in high demand.

What is the source of turquoise’s distinct color and value?

Turquoise is a precipitant or a rock formed when water passes over mineral-rich soil and concentrates. Turquoise gets its blue hue from copper. Color is one reason why knowing which mine a turquoise stone came from is crucial in evaluating the stone’s and jewelry’s worth. Turquoise comes in a broad spectrum of colors, from light blue to dark blue, with a chocolate-colored chert matrix that truly brings it to life.

When buying vintage Native American jewelry online, the most crucial thing is to buy from a trustworthy merchant. A seasoned specialist can appraise a piece by looking at the whole picture — the stone, the matrix, the texture, the type of jewelry, and the wear — and comparing it to hundreds of other pieces they’ve handled in their hands.

Why go for authentic Navajo jewelry?

Navajo jewelry is noted for its dramatic designs and silver inlaid with prominent, brilliant gemstones. Navajo jewelry is still created by Navajo artisans today. Unlike other American jewelry, which utilizes tiny beads to form designs, Navajo jewelry is distinguished by big silver pieces and jewels.

Although Navajo jewelry can be more expensive than other Native American jewelry, the mix of fine silver and jewels and excellent craftsmanship make good quality Navajo jewelry an immediate treasure.

Native Americans have always worn traditional native jewelry to show off their status, heritage, and originality. Traditions were passed down through jewelry (as written language was never developed by the Native Americans). Because the fashions and patterns of the different cultures differed, jewelry played an important part in commerce between tribes.