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Indian Jewelry: Native American Indian Jewelry
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Native American Indian jewelry was composed mostly of beads. Intricate beadwork patterns were carefully handcrafted. There were many different Native American tribes and each tribe had their own style of Indian jewelry. Many of the items used to make Indian jewelry were beads, silver, ivory, amber, and copper. Once colonization began, trade for other items began and many Native Americans began to learn forms of metalworking that previously was unknown to them. The Native Americans began to learn more forms of jewelry making and began trading for newer items that could be incorporated into their pieces as well.
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Native American Indian jewelry from the tribes of the southwest is as varied as the tribes themselves. However, the Native American jewelry which most people envision tends to be similar to the Navajo jewelry, Hopi jewelry and Zuni jewelry. The term Native American custom jewelry is sometimes used. Most Native American Indian jewelry is custom in that it is handmade and, due to various methods and tools, tends to reflect the interpretation of a particular artist. The constant wear on some of the tools as well as the process dictates that virtually no two pieces are identical.
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As for the smithing, high-quality Indian Jewelry is made from heavy-gauge silver (not alloyed nickel or other metals, which are lighter and flimsier) and/or 24 carat gold rather than gold-plate. As a rule of thumb, if you pick it up and it feels too light for the price, put it back down again and spend your money elsewhere. Native American pieces ... carry the artist’s signature or mark. If you buy a “signature” piece, then the signature should be there and the price should match. Your best bet is to know and trust the people you are buying from.
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Native American Indians are famous for their beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry and belts. Show different examples of Indian jewelry. Explain briefly that silver is a metal mined in the West, and turquoise is a stone found in the mountain areas of the West. The Indians, who were very close to the earth and spiritual people, believed that certain animals, birds, etc. possessed special powers. They would carve these spirit totems into their jewelry and then wear them for good luck.
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All Native American Indian jewelry pieces have some significance to each other with mysterious tales and belief that remain in existence today among the tribal members. Below is a summary of three Southwest Native jewelry gem stone settings and the meanings behind each.
Turquoise is the stone of choice to use in making Native American Indian Jewelry. When buying an Authentic Southwestern bracelet, necklace, pendant, ring or other Native American Jewelry you get a unique and beautifully made one of a kind item. No two stones are exactly alike. Native American Jewelry can be made with other combinations of gems stones and sterling silver. Creating popular designs that are both traditional and ... can be more contemporary and modern in their appearance which gives Native American Jewelry its universal appeal and acceptance.
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Native American Indian Jewelry