Nature Symbols in Native American Jewelry

Posted by Claudia on Dec 9th 2016

Native American art is known for showcasing many beautiful symbols of the natural world, and southwest Native American jewelry is no exception. Along with the Southwest Silver Gallery’s high-quality turquoise jewelry and intricate silver work by skilled artisans, we are proud to offer a variety of jewelry featuring the symbols sacred to[…]

Types of Native American Jewelry by Tribe

Posted by Claudia on Dec 9th 2016

Indigenous peoples from the United States have been crafting and wearing exquisite jewelry for centuries. Long before the Europeans settled in America and introduced the natives to silversmithing, the Native American tribes used natural resources such as bones, stones, wood, shells, and turquoise to craft earrings, necklaces, pins, bracelets,[…]

Symbols and Their Meanings

Posted by Claudia on Oct 28th 2016

Native American cultures are deeply rooted in nature. Many beliefs and legends incorporate symbols of earth, water, sky, fire, seasons, weather, plants, and animals. As you browse our Native American jewelry, as well as our Zuni fetish carvings, you are going to notice many symbols. While some may be used just for aesthetic value, the majority h[…]

The History of Navajo Turquoise Jewelry

Posted by Claudia on Sep 8th 2016

Turquoise, or “Doo tl’ izh ii” in Navajo, holds a very special significance in several Native American cultures, especially for the Navajo people. This semi-precious gemstone that is often called the “stone of life” is currently well-known because of the popularity of Navajo turquoise jewelry, but it has a long and fascinating history dating[…]

The Story of Zuni Jewelry

Posted by Claudia on Jul 27th 2016

The Zuni are known for being especially rooted in spiritualism and tradition, and both elements shine through in Zuni jewelry and artwork. For centuries, the Zuni people have been highly skilled lapidary artists, passing down stone cutting techniques from generation to generation. Once they learned silversmithing, their jewelry work really came int[…]

How to Authenticate Your Turquoise Native American Jewelry

Posted by Claudia on May 22nd 2016

It’s an unfortunate truth – there’s a lot of fake Native American jewelry out there. As Native American products and designs become increasingly popular, there’s naturally going to be imitators. The reality is that the jewelry that’s made in factories overseas doesn’t even come close to matching the beauty, quality, and craftsmanship that has made[…]

Contemporary Turquoise Jewelry | Modern Style with Historic Roots

Posted by Claudia on Mar 13th 2016

Turquoise jewelry has held a special place in the hearts of Native Americans for centuries. Today, it’s become increasingly popular in the fashion world. Today’s contemporary turquoise jewelry continues to carry on that proud tradition, boasting impeccable craftsmanship, unique traditional designs, and a blend of elegance and flash that makes Am[…]

Tracing Native American Influences on Modern Fashion

Posted by Claudia on Jan 11th 2016

Native American culture has a strong and pleasing aesthetic that tends to include unique patterns and vibrant colors, so it’s really not surprising that it has infiltrated the world of modern fashion. In order to incorporate Native American fashion influences into your wardrobe tastefully and respectfully, it’s important to take the time to educate[…]

The Rainbow Man

Posted by Claudia on Nov 19th 2015

The Rainbow Man, also sometimes referred to as the Rainbow Dancer, is a sacred Zuni Indian guardian spirit identified with the life giving summer rains and the colors of the rainbow after the summer’s rain. Multi Gemstone Inlay Rainbow Man Pendant & Brooch by Zuni Artist, Fabien Bowannie Although the Rainbow figure is not a Kachina, h[…]

Searching for High-Grade Turquoise Jewelry?

Posted by Claudia on Sep 25th 2015

Good high-grade turquoise comes in many shades of blues and greens. The turquoise should have good depth of color whether it is blue or green. The matrix should catch the eye or draw to the overall appeal in which is called the “zat” out here in the southwest. Turquoise that naturally has the color and is hard enough to cut without stabilization i[…]

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