A Handmade Treasure

Navajo Arts

Turquoise and Sterling Silver

Navajos are unsurpassed in their ability to created exquisite multi-faceted art.
It is believed that Navajos began working with turquoise around 1868. The beauty in their sliversmithing is unsurpassed.
Navajos, in the beginning, obtained metal by melting down American silver dollars or Mexican pesos. Today silver is readily available.
Aside from ornamental value, turquoise is especially important to the Navajo people because of its ceremonial significance.
We looked over the sterling silver jewelry at the Four Corners Area. The best thing about buying it here, is you are buying it direct from the artist. It is less expensive than in the stores or galleries.
The prices reflected the workman ship, from inexpensive to very expensive. Know your Native American stones and silver.
Always ask if the silver is sterling. They will show you were it is stamped on the jewelry piece.
Ask if the turquoise is genuine, and if it is Navajo made.
Federal law regulates statements of authenticity.
When I ask how they cleaned their silver. They use Windex spray cleaner, and a soft rag. How simple, and I thought it had to be expensive silver polishing cream.
Clean it often to keep all of the perfume, and oils off the piece of jewelry. When it goes black it is much harder to clean.
www.discovernavajo.com
www.explorenavajo.com
www.arizonaguide.com
www.colorado.com
www.utah.com
www.newmexico.com

National Geographic Guide Map: Utah