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.
OXYBEADS© have an oxidized finish and a luxurious weight and feel. Sunwest Silver Co has an extensive line of sterling silver OxyBead© jewelry, which includes single and multiple-strand necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
We specialize in customized designs for wholesale clients, and our beaded jewelry is made in-house right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
SQUASH BLOSSOM Recognized as one of the most significant pieces in any collection, the Squash Blossom is a highly prized piece of jewelry. Despite carrying worldwide significance through many Native peoples, there is very little documentation regarding the history of the Squash Blossom necklace.
Perhaps the most significant piece of the necklace, the Naja, can be traced back to not only many Native American cultures but also those of the Greeks and Romans. Meaning "crescent" in Navajo, the Naja is a symbol seen in everything from jewelry to horse bridles and incorporates multiple meanings across many cultures.
NAJA Meaning "crescent" in Navajo the Naja pendant can be traced across many cultures spanning from Native American to Greek. The Naja symbol can be seen in everything from jewelry to horse bridles and incorporates multiple meanings across many cultures. Typically found adorned Squash Blossom necklaces, Naja pendants can also be worn solo with beads or chains.
SONORAN BEAUTY TURQUOISE hails from Mexico and is a gorgeous blue turquoise. Sonoran Beauty is a "stabilized turquoise". Stabilization is the process of hardening a stone that is considered "too soft" to work with. It requires that the stone is exposed to high temperatures and then left to dry. This removes excess moisture from the stone and allows for a hardening agent to be added.