So, you’re interested in buying a beautiful piece of southwestern Native American jewelry, but want to know a bit more about its origins? Well, you’re in luck! The rich culture and tradition ofNative American jewelrycrafting is chock full of some interesting distinctions which can help you identify where your jewelry comes from. Check out some of these tips for distinguishing between Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni jewelry, and learn more about traditional Native American jewelry design below!
Silverwork
Many of the traditional southwest Native American craftspeople were masters when it comes to sterling silver work in jewelry. If your piece is characterized by expertly shaped sterling silver surrounding the stones attached, then there’s a good chance its origins are Navajo. On the other hand, if your piece displays expertly cut stones to fit into the silver foundations, then it might just be of Zuni origins. The Hopi Peoples are also master silversmiths, and their jewelry often encompasses only sterling silver and showcases beautiful raised silver patterns with darker colored linework.
Hallmark
Another great way to distinguish between the different southwestern Native American tribal origins is by paying close attention to the hallmark that is often carved into the piece. The hallmark is normally a symbol or distinctive feature embedded into the underside of the jewelry, and luckily there is tons of literature floating around online to help you identify what the hallmark is and what tribe the piece originates from.
Stonework
The size and patterns of the stones in your piece is another great way to help identify where it comes from. If your jewelry has lots of silver and large unshaped stones, there’s a good chance it’s a Navajo piece. If it has smaller expertly cut stones, clusters of stones, or stone inlay, then there’s a good chance it might be a Zuni piece. No stones at all but lots of beautiful silverwork, then chances are you might be looking at a Hopi piece. If you’re looking at some sort of adornment with intricately carved animals, then this might just be a piece of jewelry showcasing Zuni fetish carvings, which are thought to bring luck, power, and protection to those who carry them.
Identifying the origins of your Native American jewelry can sometimes be a challenge, however, the most important thing is to make sure your piece isauthentic. AtPalms Trading Company, we sell exquisite and authentic Native American jewelry through our partnerships with skilled Native American artisans. We even offerpersonal shopping servicesso you can find the perfect piece to fit your own personal style, or to give to a loved one as a gift.Get in touchwith us today, and we would love to help you find the perfect piece of wearable Native American art!
FAQs
Big silver and large stones, good chance it is Navajo. Small stones, cluster, or inlay and you have a reason to believe the work is Zuni. The piece is all silver, overlay, and the bottom oxidized part has a very fine texture and you just might have a piece of Hopi work.
How can you tell Navajo from Zuni jewelry? ›
If your jewelry has lots of silver and large unshaped stones, there's a good chance it's a Navajo piece. If it has smaller expertly cut stones, clusters of stones, or stone inlay, then there's a good chance it might be a Zuni piece.
What is the difference between Navajo and Hopi jewelry? ›
However, in traditional Hopi style adornment, jewelry is often made from sterling silver by itself. It does differ however from Navajo or Zuni silver styling in that it commonly encompasses a shine on the silver, along with raised patterns and linework.
How can you tell Hopi jewelry? ›
Zuni silversmiths have defined their work by small petit point, needlepoint, small turquoise cuts and inlaid stones. Hopi jewelry is all about the silver with the majority of works having no stones.
How do you authenticate Navajo jewelry? ›
Before buying a piece, inspect it to determine its quality. Take a close look at the design features. Authentic Native American jewelry does not have wavering lines. There is no visible glue between the metal and the stone, and stones used in Native American jewelry are accurately cut.
Are Zuni and Hopi the same? ›
Three main Native American tribes have left magnificent jewels as a legacy to today's society: the Hopi, the Navajo and the Zuni. The Navajo nation is found in Northeastern Arizona, New Mexico and Utah as well as the Zuni, while the Hopi are known to come from Northeastern Arizona in the Four-Corners region.
Is Navajo jewelry always marked? ›
Today, most Native American jewelry, hollowware and flatware is identified by artist's initials, names or symbols that are stamped or etched onto their creations. However, that has not always been the case. In the 1920s only a few Native Americans marked their work with their initial(s), name or personal symbol.
How can you tell if Navajo beads are real? ›
To tell if Navajo pearls are real, first look at the clasp. Genuine pieces produced by Navajo artisans will usually feature an open-hook clasp. Also, examine the sterling silver beads that make up the necklace carefully. Because artisans craft each one by hand, no two beads will be identical.
Is it OK to wear Native American jewelry? ›
Native artists will only sell items that it's okay for you—whether you're Native or not—to wear. They will not sell regalia, sacred items or symbols, or other ceremonial pieces, so when you purchase an item from an actual Native artist you are getting a piece that's okay for you to wear, love, and proudly display.
What does CP 925 mean on jewelry? ›
When 925 is stamped on Jewellery it usually means the metal material is silver alloy. Sterling silver is usually 92.5 per cent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper, but other metal(s) are sometimes used in place of copper, for example nickel.
Zuni Indian turquoise jewelry is some of the more intricate Native American jewelry made. Their jewelry trademarks, most of them containing turquoise, are needlepoint and petit point -two types of Zuni clusterwork - mosaic, channelwork and inlay.
Why is Navajo jewelry blue? ›
The Importance of Turquoise in Navajo Jewelry
In some legends, it was said that the skies opened up and rained after a long time of drought. The tears of the people dropped into the Earth, forming turquoise stones. Turquoise is thought to have a spiritual connection to rain.
How can you tell the difference between Navajo and Zuni jewelry? ›
Big silver and large stones, good chance it is Navajo. Small stones, cluster, or inlay and you have a reason to believe the work is Zuni. The piece is all silver, overlay, and the bottom oxidized part has a very fine texture and you just might have a piece of Hopi work.
What race is Zuni? ›
Zuni, North American Indian tribe of what is now west-central New Mexico, on the Arizona border. The Zuni are a Pueblo Indian group and speak a Penutian language. They are believed to be descendants of the prehistoric Ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi).
Do Navajo and Hopi get along? ›
The Hopi and Navajo Tribes have a long history of conflict over land. After years of escalating conflict, the Navajo-Hopi Settlement Act of 1974 split land across tribes and forced relocation for those on the wrong side of the partition line.
How is Navajo jewelry marked? ›
Generally, Zuni & Navajo artists will use initials for their artist mark, exp. Roger Skeets will use an R and S stamp on the back of his work. Hopi artists will usually use a symbol, something like a snowflake or sun for example.
What type of jewelry did the Navajo wear? ›
Navajo jewelry was made from turquoise long before silver or gold was used. Turquoise was a material known to Southwestern tribes for hundreds of years, as it is found in mines throughout the area. Turquoise holds a sacred place of healing and protection in the Navajo culture.
How to identify old Native American jewelry? ›
A genuine piece will have no wavering lines or lopsided designs, well-cut stones that are uniform in size, and no visible glue between the metal and stone. Also be on the lookout for sterling silver versus silver-plated jewelry. A quick way to tell the difference is to hold a small magnet to the piece.
