Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Navajo Jewelry Has Distinct Style

By Angel Dudley


Many people who love to collect beautifully crafted pieces of art often find that they are attracted to Native American craftsmanship. This may be in part to the artists taking their work seriously and creating one of a kind masterpieces. There is something to be said for the unique art form known as Navajo jewelry.

What is currently the southwestern portion of the United States is where the Navajo Nation originated. These people are commonly known as the first silversmiths and have earned their reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to fine detailing. They use several types of metal and precious stones in their creations but sterling silver and turquoise are utilized more than any other and are what the style is known for.

The artists working in this particular style are known for commonly designing the piece around the natural shape of each stone. The use of inlays is not as common as it is in other tribal jewelry forms, and when used, it is done in a unique way. Their style is generally bolder than others and they tend to use silver in between the inlaid shapes.

When most people think of this brand, the first thing that comes to mind is usually silver metal and blue stones. Many imitators try to pass their work off to uninformed buyers as authentic pieces though they are perpetrating a fraud on the innocent. Aside from certificates and appraisals, there are some ways in which one may be capable of doing a quick analysis to ensure they are buying real pieces.

Some imitators are exceptionally skilled in this style but they are no less still fakes and it is wrong to advertise as genuine. Each true artist specializing in this genre has a unique signature known as a hallmark which they place on everything they create. These items come in the form of a personal symbol, initial or picture and is used to identify the work of each authentic craftsman.

Performing a scratch test on the piece is another way to possibly determine a fake. Authentic artist in this style are not going to use anything other than genuine stones in their work. In the case of turquoise, if one scrapes the surface of the stone and sees white beneath, the item is a fake because a true product will maintain the blue all the way through.

Artwork done is this style has a distinctive look and feel to it. This craft of this tribe has a characteristic chunky look, with turquoise, the representative of well-being and the holder of serious religious significance for the people, as the focal point in a simple sterling silver setting. One of their more popular designs is the large and very ornate squash bottom necklaces that feature a prominent pendant of crescent shape.

Navajo jewelry has several other key features that set this style apart from other in a rather distinct fashion. The pieces are often made with a file decoration technique that consists of using intricate tools to chisel very fine details into the silver, making each item a unique creation. Though turquoise is the most popular stone, some artists will also use gemstones such as spiny oyster and coral to provide more color and texture.




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