RAINDROPS are seen frequently throughout Native American jewelry. Sterling silver drops or "raindrops" are a traditional design element. They can be smooth and highly polished or they can be starlike and oxidized.
TWISTED WIRE metalworking is a very old technique used by many Southwestern tribes. It can be found in both vintage and modern pieces.
STAMP WORK Navajo silversmiths are renowned for their intricate, detailed stamp work, a style developed over many generations. Stamping is done by hand, and the stamps themselves are oftentimes unique to the artist or are handed down from generations of silversmiths.
CORAL Native American jewelry artists use Coral in a variety of ways. Featured in inlay work, set in rough and natural forms, carved, cut into stunning cabochons, set with diamonds, turquoise, pearls, and almost any combination of the favorite Southwest gemstones. A favorite organic gemstone, red and pink coral are used extensively in Southwest jewelry styles. Red, pink, and orange colors can all be found in contemporary and vintage Native American handmade jewelry. Always a great way to add a splash of color to your ensemble.
WHITE BUFFALO The trade name “White Buffalo” is used to identify this beautiful stone coming out of Tonopah, Nevada. The Otteson mining family owns the mine where the white stone grows, surrounded by black chert which creates beautiful patterns, and sometimes in rare and more expensive pieces, a spider-web matrix. The stone grows in veins, is hard, and cuts like turquoise, but is not technically turquoise, and is generally referred to as “White Buffalo”.
