Southwestern Jewelry

Southwestern jewelry is amongst the most recognizable forms of Native American art and expression. Created by the Zuni, Navajo, Hopi, and Santo Domingo Indians, southwestern jewelry dates back to 300 BC. Originally handcrafted, today southwestern jewelry is also machine produced. However, for authenticity and a unique Native American feel, it is best to purchase handcrafted versions of this jewelry.

In addition to its beauty, southwestern jewelry has religious, social, economic, and political significance for Native Americans. Each tribe had its own style when creating jewelry, for instance, Zuni jewelry is more delicate compared to the Navajo jewelry that tends to have a heavier construction.

Jewelry was a prized commodity amongst the Southwestern Indians. Items include bracelets, pendants, earrings, rings, and beads created from semi-precious gemstones such as turquoise, bone, shell, coral, clay, wood, and other materials. The beads are hand drilled and ground down into the desired shape. Abalone and spiny oyster shells imported from the Pacific are a popular jewelry-making item in Southwestern jewelry.