The Navajo tribe is highly regarded for their use of turquoise in art and jewelry. Over the years, they have mastered the technique ever since learning it from the Spanish in the early 1800s. Through their own cultural development and beliefs, they have taken the stone and the silversmith practices taught to them and created a craft all their own. The beautiful use of different shades of turquoise and the various colored matrices that can show in the stone provide the artist with ample options and they never seem to disappoint.
About Navajo Silver Turquoise Necklaces
Modern Navajo silver turquoise necklaces use newer tools to make things a little easier but still keep the same heart and spirit.
You will usually find that Navajo artists incorporate silver as their setting, which can be molded in a variety of different ways to make floral patterns, bear images, or anything else you can imagine.
These artists pride themselves on tradition, so tribesman that take on the endeavor usually learn the skill from older and more practiced hands until they are ready to go out on their own as and represent the tribe with their art.
Some elements that are commonly seen in Navajo silver turquoise necklaces are large proportions, rounded stones, and simple patterns. The Navajo try to imbue the spirit of nature in their work, using natural materials like turquoise and silver and their designs can be considered more minimalistic.
If the necklace features a pendant, it’s also usually simple in its style, but beautiful in the quality and design. Some areas of focus that is more elegant are the silver setting that seats the main stone. This might have interesting floral patterns or utilize symbols of Native American belief.
Navajo silver turquoise necklaces are more than just an accessory; they are a way for Navajo artists to express themselves and their culture through a stunning medium.