Several native American tribes populate the United States. Among them, the largest is the Navajo. Navajos have a rich history and culture devoted to the creation of Navajo jewelry. Today’s Navajo artists use techniques that are centuries old and have been passed down from generation to generation. These are now subject to new tools and techniques to make extraordinary examples of Native American jewelry that is recognized the world over.

When Spanish explorers came to the Southwest and the lands of the Navajo, they brought with them the knowledge and metalworking skills that were they shared with the Navajo people.

The skills that were learned from the Spanish were then passed on from generation to generation and spread across the tribe.

In the 1800s, as the southwest was expanding, silver jewelry became a status symbol. The initial skills that were given by the Spanish were improved upon.

The popularity of these pieces increased exponentially when, in the 1900s, Navajo jewelry was introduced to the tourist market. Tourists warmed to the designs of silver and turquoise that were created. By keeping to the traditional stones, these pieces established a niche that continues today.

Turquoise has often been called a sky stone due to its blue coloring. Ancient people held the belief that due to the color it was an actual piece of the sky that had landed on the Earth. Art with these stones have been dated back to 200 BC.

Navajo jewelry holds a strong place in the culture of the Navajo people. There is an undeniable history in these works of jewelry art. They represent outstanding items for any wardrobe of adornment.