Do you have a high regard for the distinguished design of Southwest Jewelry ? Diverse, avant-garde Southwest jewelry for the most part is made of silver, and is often found embracing ornamental turquoise stones. Common stones used in the creation of these pieces include malachite, mother of pearl, coral, charoite, opal, tiger's eyes, amber and sugulite but forward-thinking Southwest jewelry artists may break from the norm and create a conventional piece with a unique precious stone.

However, many are drawn to this style simply because of its beauty. The wearer does not need to know the background of the piece to appreciate the stunning, strong design of a fine Southwestern piece. Both men and women can be found wearing this jewelry in the Southwest to gussy up an outfit. The three cultures of the Southwest Anglos, Hispanics, and Native Americans enjoy and appreciate the wearability and adaptability of this style of jewelry.

The Southwestern style includes silver bracelets, rings, concho belts, belt buckles, dangle earrings, money clips, necklaces, pendants, and much more. Though this jewelry looks great with cowboy boots and western wear, it also appears striking against a white blouse or shirt, bohemian wear, or a simple black dress. To see examples (and also shop Southwest jewelry at a very nice price), go to http://www.navajojewelryvillage.com

Southwest Native Americans have passed along the Southwest jewelry-making traditions.   Jewelry-making skills are shared amongst the Nations techniques and designs are not restricted; even Anglos, or Caucasian people have learned and used these methods.  From time to time one Nation, for example the Zuni or the Navajo, become known for a certain skill or piece, over time though other Nations will adapt this skill as their own and add new flair to it. Information on the artist most often intensifies the attraction of the piece.  The majority of collectors of Southwestern jewelry take an interest in the artist's background, thus the background is often available. A stamp of authenicity involves the artist's symbol or initials and can be found on many pieces.

Southwestern silversmithing, a technique learned by the Navajo in 1864 and passed to other Southwestern Nations, shows distinctive methods and techniques seldom seen in other jewelry forms. The technique of hammering metal to form attractive shapes is known as repouss and is often used in Southwestern jewelry. The Statue of Liberty was created using the technique of repouss.  This jewelry shows the influences of at least three distinct cultures: Moorish, Spanish, and Native American. The "naja" or crescent shape was inspired by the Moorish and can be found in such designs as the squash blossom necklace.   Pieces which have crosses, conchos and rosaries stem from a Spanish influence.  The silversmithing trade came through these two cultures to the Southwestern Native Americans, who added their own cultural symbols, such as fetishes, and their own stones, like turquoise, to make Southwestern pieces truly incomparable to any other in the world today.