Navajo Jewelry

The Navajo tribe is known for their culture and remarkable tradition that was kept for generations. Their jewelries are a witness of that tradition that was able to stay despite different assimilation. Their traditional design of sea shells as part of the jewelry could still be found among the Navajos.

When the Europeans came, the Navajos slowly adopted a new material. Metals and different semi-precious gems were used. Silver and copper are the most popular materials while gems could come in different forms. However, gems and metals were never placed together because of the lack of skills for integration of metals and gems.

The skills that brought the integration of metals and gems came when the railroad was established. Because of the fast transfer of techniques, new designs were made particularly on rings and earrings wherein a new type of jewelry was made. The housing of gems called “bevel” was introduced.

Today, the Navajo jewelries are among the most popular type of Native American jewelries. The variety of their jewelries is truly remarkable since they are able to create new form of jewelries while they continue to create traditional Navajo jewelry. The popular jewelries of Navajo today are usually made of silver and turquoise. The gems are usually from red corals and the combination of the three elements is common in Navajo jewelries.