Twisted wire metalworking is a very old technique used by many Southwestern tribes. It can be found in both vintage and modern pieces.
Seen frequently throughout Native American jewelry, Sterling Silver "raindrops" are a traditional design element. They can be smooth and high polished are they can be starlike and oxidized.
Oxidized Sterling Silver is sterling that has been darkened using a surface treatment. This process helps to give the metal a "tarnished" look and is often used to provide contrast within jewelry pieces.
Campito is derived from the Spanish word "campo" meaning "field" or "countryside". Mined in Mexico from the Pino Chueco and Cananea mines in Sonora, Campitos is a favorite for jewelry artisans. Campitos is unique in several ways. It grows in clay as free-form nuggets, rather than in veins which is typical of many North American turquoises. Its color closely resembles that of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and ranges from a light to medium blue with no matrix. Occasionally you may find pyrite inclusions, which give it a little bit of sparkle.
Authentic Handmade Native American Jewelry