Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Navajo Jewelry Is True Art

By Angel Dudley


Collectors of fine things often find themselves drawn to those created by artists who belong to the Native American tribes. Their craftsmanship is beyond reproach and each piece is a literal work of art. There is definite beauty to be found in authentic Navajo jewelry as each one is a unique creation.

The Navajo Nation originated in the area that is now the southwestern part of the United States. They were among the first silversmiths and have a reputation for fine detailing and exceptional craftsmanship. Though they generally work with sterling silver and turquoise, they have been known to occasionally incorporate other metals and precious stones into their work.

The stone's natural shape is usually what dictates the flow of a piece in this particular genre. They are not as well known for the use of inlays as other tribal craftsmen, though they do occasionally work it into the design. Their technique generally involves the utilization of silver as a separator between the various shapes being inlaid.

Many people find the infamous blue and silver color of this brand of product easily recognizable. This makes it so easy for counterfeiters to try and pass off cheaper pieces as the real thing and take advantage of genuinely interested buyers. There are a few ways in which one may be able to quickly test the authenticity of an item before making such an investment.

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.

A simple scratch test is one way to immediately determine whether or not the work is true. True artists of the genre will use only genuine stones in any piece they create. Turquoise, the most commonly used gemstone in this style, if the surface is scraped, it should still show blue because white or any other color is a sure sign of a fake.

There is a quite distinctive style used in this method of artwork. The work of this tribe's craftsmen is characterized by the use of chunky stones, usually turquoise because of its religious significance and representation of well-being, within simple settings of sterling silver. They are also well known for their squash blossom necklaces that are large and ornate with a crescent shaped pendant.

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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