Excerpt
from Paula's blog: Authentic Native American sterling
silver Navajo Pearl beads are getting more difficult to find as they are very
labor intensive to make. There are many sterling silver bead necklaces available
but if you want Native American handmade Navajo Pearls, it will help to know more
about them before you buy. How Navajo Pearls are
MadeHandmade (hand made) beads are very labor intensive,
being entirely hand crafted: cutting, stamping, dapping, drilling, soldering,
filing, polishing, stringing is all done by hand. Because each bead is made individually,
there might be slight variations from bead to bead.
Bench made Beads (Bench
Beads) start with some machine cut pieces, which are then soldered. The seam
is usually fairly prominent. Graduated beads
usually consist of 5 sizes of beads. There is often one large bead at the center
and the others graduate smaller from the center toward the ends. Most
Navajo Pearls are strung on foxtail, which is a strong woven silver cord
that can be sterling silver, nickel or other metals. Weight
of Sterling Silver BeadsThe final weight of a necklace
depends on the gauge, or thickness, of the sterling silver sheet that is used
to make the beads. Weight affects drape - a heavier necklace often hangs with
a smoother shape than a lighter one. Choosing a Length
of Navajo PearlsA choker is a small necklace that fits
comfortably around the neck and is perfect for peeking out from underneath an
open collared shirt or displayed openly when wearing a tank top, a V-neck tee
shirt or halter top. Most women wear a choker size 16-19”. Chokers are ideal
for use with pendants. Navajo pearls in the 19-22 inch range are great for wearing
over a collared shirt, a sweater or a turtleneck – the added length gives
the space need for over-the-clothing use.Longer necklaces, those up to 28 inches
in length can be used alone or in combination with fetish, heishi or squash blossom
necklaces. Read
more about Navajo Pearls here. | 
