The Navajo Indian Nation is considered to be the largest producer of Native American silversmiths and fine-art jewelers in North America. Jewelry made by Navajo Indians, who refer to themselves as Dineh, include styles of sandcast pieces of silver with turquoise, and die stamping on silver and gold. They are famous for their naja pendants and squash blossom bead jewelry and necklaces. Navajo Indians also have a tradition of creating hollow silver jewelry beads, and silver and turquoise jewelry including necklace designs, bracelets and rings. Navajo silverwork is characterized by an emphasis on the silver, with turquoise sometimes used merely to enhance the beauty of the metal. |
| Both Navajo Indian women and the men create and wear strings turquoise beads. Navajo Indians portray ancient and sacred designs in their jewelry, many ideas coming from Indian sand paintings and ceremonial symbols. Copyright 2012 |
