Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers

Beginning in prehistoric times with fine shell and turquoise jewelry the Navajo & Pueblo Indians of the American Southwest have been creating wonderful jewelry in silver, shell, seeds, turquoise, copper, and other natural materials. In the late 19th century the Navajo learned silversmithing from Mexican silver and leather artist who were skilled with dies, stamps, and chisels. Navajo silversmiths soon were creating stunning concho belts, ingot bracelet with simple turquoise stone settings, and of course squash blossom necklaces. At pueblos like Cochiti, Zuni, Isleta, and Hopi, they created mosaic inlay jewelry, heshei beaded necklaces, tab necklaces, as well as a huge variety of silver work.