Overlay is one of the most impressive-looking techniques in modern silverwork. Most prominently used by the Hopi, this technique is comprised of soldering two or more sheets of silver and tracing the image of a symbol, pattern, or figure onto one of the sheets, so it appears etched into the finished product. The result is…
Oyster shell or “Spiny Oyster Shell” earrings and jewelry have a rich history within Native American jewelry. One of the most famous styles of beaded jewelry from the Native art of Heishi beaded necklaces incorporates oyster shell and seashells, almost exclusively. These stones are believed to harness the power of the ocean where they come…
You may have noticed about Native American Zuni earrings, and jewelry in general, is the colorful nature of the Zuni design. Unlike the Hopi that primarily use only silver, or the Navajo that prominently feature one stone, the Zuni have adapted their stone-cutting to a degree much higher than many tribes and feature that skill…
For thousands of years, women and men have taken part in wearing earrings. Native Americans have perfected the art and, depending on which tribe you look at, their earrings differ drastically. For example, the Navajo will incorporate a variety of stones in the same larger settings that accompanies most of their jewelry, while the Hopi…
The Hopi tribe has crafted their own style of art and jewelry making that set them apart from all other tribes. Their unique mastery of silver and metalwork is what really distinguishes them and their pieces. They have mastered the overlay silver techniques that were taught to them by the Spanish and have continued to…
The use of decorative earrings by the indigenous people of North America dates back to ancient times. The indigenous peoples of North America have used Native American earrings for tribal identity, spirituality, ceremonies, rituals, wealth and personal adornment. Certain rituals, such as the “rite of passage” or “coming of age,” called for Native earrings as…
Native American feather earrings are made from bird feathers that fall from the body and are not plucked. They hold a significant meaning to many Native American tribes. Often these feathers represent the power exerted by the thunder gods, the air and the wind. Eagle feathers were used ceremonially by the Sioux. The Hopi used…
Silver is the metal of choice for a great deal of Native American style jewelry. Often made into important tribal symbols, or engraved with totems, there were a variety of different kinds of ornamentation. Native American silver earrings, for instance, have been popular for a long time because of the sheer variety they come in….
The Power of Native American Turquoise Earrings Native American turquoise earrings are included in the growing popularity of turquoise jewelry. There are a multitude of legends surrounding turquoise, including Native American turquoise earrings, and what kind of power it has for the person wearing it. Native turquoise earrings are worn by both men and woman…
The Beauty and Unique Qualities of Native American Beaded Earrings Women love the class and elegance of wearing jewelry. One of the most popular types of jewelry for women to wear is a pair of elegant earrings. Much of this is because a pair of earrings can bring about a greater sense of fashion, accent…