Native Jewelry

Since I was young, I’ve enjoyed reading and hearing about the myths of the Old West. To me, the clash of Indian and American civilizations is not just a tale of violence and tragedy. It also represents a blending of two cultures into a separate, unique entity. This idea is embodied perfectly in Native American belt buckles. These accessories were worn by Indians and Cowboys alike, and they have come to identify a specific time and place.

These belt buckles are conspicuous in their simplistic beauty. The Indians of the Southwest realized centuries ago that silver pairs well with turquoise stones, which can be used as aesthetic accents. The sturdiness and durability of the silver provide a note of functionality as well. When blended together, these two distinct elements create a fashion statement all their own.

If you’re looking for an understated way to wear Native American jewelry, look for a ring that suits your personality and personal style. You can find handcrafted rings featuring amethyst, white opal, onyx, malachite, lapis, azurite, turquoise and other stones set in sterling silver or gold, giving you endless options for a unique look. Turquoise is perhaps the most distinctive gem that’s associated with Native American jewelry, and its blue-green hue looks great with sterling silver. In the fifteenth century, the Pueblo Indian tribes of the American southwest began making turquoise and silver rings with the arrival of the Spanish to the New World. The Spanish taught Natives how to work with silver and they became proficient silversmiths.

If you choose a turquoise ring from the wide selection of Native American rings available, make sure to take special care of it. Turquoise is very sensitive to solvents, so perfume, jewelry cleaners, cosmetics and skin oils can attack the finish and alter the color of the gem. Direct sunlight can also discolor turquoise, so don’t wear your turquoise ring to the beach or another place where you’ll be in the sun. To clean your ring, wipe the turquoise gently with a soft cloth and store it in its own container to avoid it being scratched by harder gems.