Native American Jewelry Articles, Hallmarks, Symbols & Artifacts

ARTISTS AND HALLMARKS

Learn how to identify artists, read hallmarks, compare signatures, and spot clues that help date or authenticate Native American jewelry.

BOOK LOOKS

Browse reference-book notes and reviews that support deeper research into Native American jewelry, design history, artists, and collecting.

BRACELETS

Find sizing, fit, style, construction, and care guidance for cuffs, ketohs, link bracelets, bead bracelets, and other bracelet forms.

DESIGNS, METHODS

Explore traditional and collectible techniques such as overlay, sand cast, bezels, chip inlay, repousse, silverdust, and stamped designs.

FETISHES

Learn about animal fetishes, meanings, carving materials, display, symbolism, and how Navajo and Zuni fetish traditions differ by use and style.

HEISHI

This section covers heishi necklaces, jacla strands, fit, texture, pricing, and how to evaluate turquoise and other materials used in heishi work.

MATERIALS

Study stones, shells, silver, gold, coral, pipestone, turquoise varieties, and other materials commonly used in Native American jewelry and carvings.

MEDICINE BAGS

Read background information on medicine bags, related gemstones, and traditional context for collecting and understanding these pieces.

MISC. TOPICS

This mixed-reference section answers common questions about authenticity, value, concho belts, storage, shopping, collecting, pricing, and jewelry use.

PENDANTS-NECKLACES

Explore Navajo pearls, crosses, fetish necklaces, squash blossom necklaces, extenders, chains, pendant fittings, and choosing the right necklace style.

PINS

See articles on pin collecting, styling, converting brooches to pendants, and wearing Native American pins in modern ways.

PIPES / SMUDGING

Read about catlinite and sacred pipes, pipe drops, bowl blessings, smudging, and related ceremonial objects and practices.

REPAIR / CLEANING

Find guidance on polishing, cleaning, restringing, repair, stone damage, inlay issues, and caring for sterling silver and turquoise jewelry.

RINGS

Learn ring sizing, fit, style names, movie-inspired looks, inlay repair, and how to choose Native American rings that wear comfortably.

RUGS

A smaller section focused on Navajo rugs and textile-related collecting interest.

Hand Woven Navajo Rugs

SYMBOLS

Explore the meaning and history of design symbols such as thunderbird, naja, Yei, Kokopelli, dragonfly, medicine wheel, whirling log, and more.

TRIBES AND LORE

Read cultural and historical background on Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Lakota, Pueblo, code talkers, prayer objects, dolls, and related lore.

VINTAGE, USED JEWELRY

Research collecting, dating, pricing, consignment, pawn history, first-phase style, market value, and other vintage jewelry topics.

WATCHES

Find help with Native American watch cuffs, batteries, styling, watch quality, and specific watch-related questions.

CHERRY HILL, AUTHOR

HORSEKEEPING.COM