A History of Native American Silver Bracelets
Native American jewelry dates back thousands of years, and has even been found in prehistoric ruins. In the beginning, the Native Americans used beads, shells, copper, ivory and pearls. The popularity of the Native American silver bracelets led to the important role of trade in the Southwest. The art of making Native American silver bracelets began at the turn of the twentieth century.
The use of silver in Native American silver bracelets is very modern. Mexican Silversmiths traded silver pieces for cattle from the Navajo tribe. The Navajo Blacksmiths then learned stamping techniques to make from the Mexican leather craftsmen which later inspired the making of Native American silver bracelets.
The art of making Native American silver bracelets was inspired in the late 1800’s from the Mexican Silversmiths. Word of the use of silver in Native American silver bracelets got out as the Navajo began to trade their jewelry with other tribes for livestock. It did not take long for Native American silver bracelets to spread throughout the Native American tribes of the country.
About Native American Silver Bracelets
The Native Americans first began silver-smithing in the late 1800’s, and began making Native American silver bracelets around the early 1900’s. Introduced to the element by the Spanish, the Native Americans first started using silver pesos to make beautiful buttons for the warriors, and soon after began making Native American silver bracelets. They would trade their cattle for silver pieces to create jewelry. Native American silver bracelets are often adorned with a layering of turquoise.
Native American silver bracelets combine rocks, minerals and metal to make simple, yet elegant pieces of jewelry. These combinations of Earth’s elements have inspired some of the most beautiful Native American silver bracelets that stand the test of time. Every Native American tribe has their own unique style for creating a one-of-a-kind pieces. Women wear Native American silver bracelets as a show of personal wealth.
It is believed that the Navajo were the first to develop silver into the skilled Native American tribes, although many other tribes caught on to the trend around the same time. Once they saw how sought after the Native American silver bracelets and other silver trinkets were, the Native Americans began marking their pieces with their initials. The skills and knowledge of a jeweler were passed down through the families. Some of these Native American silver bracelets designs are still seen today.