A Guide To Choosing Women's Native Accessories
A flash of turquoise; a glint of silver. Native American jewelry is full of history, artistry, and cultural meaning. If the beauty of these pieces captivates you, you may be thinking about creating your own collection. But where should you begin? This guide on choosing women's Native accessories will help you determine which pieces to start your collection with, where to find reputable sellers, and understand the cultural significance behind what you wear.
Determine Your Personal Style
Before you begin shopping, take some time to reflect on your own personal style. Are you drawn to bold, statement pieces, or do you prefer delicate, understated jewelry? Do you wear a lot of silver, gold, or a mix of both?
Look through your existing jewelry and clothing. What colors and materials do you gravitate toward? Answering these questions can help you select accessories that you'll genuinely love to wear. A well-chosen accessory should feel like a natural extension of your personal taste.
Start With a Foundational Piece
A great way to begin your collection is with a versatile, foundational piece. This could be something you can wear every day, which allows it to become a signature part of your look. For example, a silver cuff bracelet or a classic turquoise ring are simple, versatile pieces without too much ornate detail that would make them difficult to pair with other items.
These foundational pieces complement a variety of other jewelry and outfit styles. For instance, you can effortlessly wear a silver cuff with jeans and a t-shirt for a chic everyday look, or a classic turquoise ring can add a pop of color and personality to a simple black dress.
As you grow your collection, you can add more elaborate or specialized pieces. Starting with a timeless classic provides a strong anchor for whatever you choose to add later.
Learn About Different Materials
Native American accessories feature a diverse array of beautiful materials, each with its own unique properties and cultural significance.
Turquoise is perhaps the most valued stone. It’s highly regarded in many Native cultures for its protective qualities. It’s believed to safeguard the wearer from harm and bring good fortune. This reverence stems from its deep connection to the sky and water, which many Native American tribes see as sources of life and protection.
Additionally, you'll find accessories made with coral, shell, and jet. Silver is a common metal used in settings and designs, especially among Navajo artisans, because of its durability, beauty, and cultural significance, often symbolizing wealth, status, and protection within their traditions. Taking the time to learn about these materials will deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into each piece.
Understand Different Artisan Styles
Different Native American tribes have distinct artistic styles and techniques. Navajo jewelry, for example, is renowned for its intricate silverwork and prominent use of turquoise. Zuni artists are masters of lapidary work. They create detailed mosaic and channel inlay designs with precisely cut stones.
Hopi artisans are famous for their silver overlay technique, which involves soldering two sheets of silver together after cutting a design into the top layer. Santo Domingo (Kewa Pueblo) artists create beautiful heishi necklaces, which are made of finely shaped and ground beads of shell, turquoise, and other stones. Familiarity with these styles will help you identify pieces that resonate with your aesthetic.
Verify Authenticity
When you purchase Native American jewelry, you want to be certain you're getting an authentic, handmade piece. True artisan jewelry is a work of art, and its value lies in its craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Beware of mass-produced imitations that mimic traditional designs but lack the quality and soul of a genuine piece.
Authentic jewelry will typically show signs of being handmade. You might see small, unique marks from the artist's tools. Moreover, authentic pieces are usually made with quality materials like sterling silver and natural stones, not plastic or plated metals.
Identify Counterfeits
Learning to distinguish real pieces from fakes takes a bit of practice. One red flag is an unusually low price. Handcrafted jewelry requires time, skill, and quality materials, so a price that seems too good to be true probably is.
Examine the piece closely. Mass-produced items often look too perfect and uniform. On the other hand, a handmade item will have a unique character. You can also check for an artist's signature or hallmark, which many artisans stamp onto their work. While not all authentic pieces are signed, it's a good indicator of authenticity.
Find Reputable Sellers
Your best bet for finding authentic Native American jewelry is to buy from reputable sources. This includes established galleries, trusted online dealers, and directly from artists at markets or powwows. These sellers are knowledgeable about the artists they represent and can provide information about a piece's origin.
Do your due diligence before you buy. Look for sellers with positive reviews and a long history of dealing in Native American art. A reputable dealer will be transparent about their pieces and happy to answer your questions. This relationship builds trust and helps you feel confident in your purchase.
Ask Questions About the Artist
A wonderful part of collecting Native American accessories is learning about the artists behind the work. When you find a piece you love, don't hesitate to ask the seller for more information about the artist. Where are they from? What is their tribal affiliation? What techniques do they specialize in?
Learning these details adds a rich layer of history and personal connection to your jewelry. It's more than just jewelry; you're getting a talented artist's passion and skill, plus a piece of the rich culture that inspired them. It's a story wrapped into a wearable piece of art you can carry with you.
Start Your Collection Here
With the tips from this guide, you can start filling your collection with authentic, beautiful women's Native American jewelry. John Henry Co. offers a curated selection of necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more. All our pieces are lovingly handmade by skilled Navajo artists with whom we’ve built long-standing relationships. We are happy to tell you more about the story behind any of our pieces you're interested in. Explore our collection and discover which treasure speaks to you.