How to Choose and Wear a Necklace
There are many beautiful Native American necklace styles to choose from, from heishi and fetish necklaces to Navajo pearls and squash blossom designs. If you would like a little help deciding what style, length, or material may suit you best, this guide offers a few simple suggestions.
Browse authentic Native American heishi necklaces, Navajo pearl bead necklaces, Zuni animal fetish necklaces, squash blossom necklaces, and other traditional Southwestern jewelry styles.
Some Necklace Styles in Our Store
Heishi
Heishi necklaces are traditionally made by Pueblo, Navajo, and Santo Domingo (Kewa) artisans. Heishi beads, originally made from shell, are hand-cut, drilled, and polished into smooth, flowing strands. Today artists also use natural stones such as turquoise, coral, jet, lapis, and spiny oyster, often combined with sterling silver accents.
Navajo Pearls
Navajo Pearls are handcrafted sterling silver beads made by Navajo silversmiths using traditional techniques. These elegant necklaces can be worn alone or layered with other jewelry. Their timeless Southwestern style and handmade craftsmanship make them a staple of Native American silver jewelry.
Animal Fetish Necklaces
Animal fetish necklaces feature hand-carved animal figures, often created by Zuni and other Pueblo artists as well as Navajo and Lakota makers. These carvings may be made from turquoise, coral, jet, shell, serpentine, and other materials, and are often strung with heishi beads into striking and symbolic necklaces.
Squash Blossom Necklaces
Squash blossom necklaces are among the most recognizable forms of Native American jewelry. Traditionally crafted by Navajo silversmiths from sterling silver and often set with turquoise or coral, they feature silver blossom beads and a crescent-shaped central pendant called a naja.
Questions About Native American Necklaces
What materials are used in Native American necklaces?
Native American necklaces are traditionally made using natural materials such as turquoise, coral, shell, jet, spiny oyster, pipestone, and other stones. Many necklaces also feature sterling silver beads or handcrafted silver pendants created by Navajo, Zuni, Pueblo, and Lakota artists.
What is a heishi necklace?
Heishi necklaces are made from tiny hand-cut beads that are carefully shaped, drilled, and polished into smooth strands. The technique originated with Pueblo artisans and is still practiced today using shell, turquoise, coral, and other stones.
What are Navajo pearl necklaces?
Navajo pearls are handcrafted sterling silver beads made by Navajo silversmiths. Each bead is formed, soldered, polished, and often oxidized by hand. These elegant bead necklaces are a classic style of Native American silver jewelry.
What is a squash blossom necklace?
Squash blossom necklaces are one of the most recognizable forms of Native American jewelry. Traditionally crafted by Navajo silversmiths, they feature a series of silver blossom beads and a crescent-shaped pendant called a naja, often set with turquoise.
Explore More Native American Jewelry
Browse other collections of authentic Native American jewelry in our store:
Native American Bracelets | Native American Rings | Native American Earrings | Heishi, Bead and Other Necklaces Native American Pendants Native American Buckles Native American Barrettes Native American Bolo Ties Native American Hat Bands Native American Miniatures Native American Pins Native American Watches Native American Rosaries Native American Baby Items