Navajo Bracelets Discount Internet Sources

Navajo Bracelets

A bracelet is an article of jewelry which is designed to be worn around the wrist. Quality bracelets are commonly made from metals such as silver, gold, brass and copper. They are often intricately scrolled, etched, inlaid and adorned with gems and precious stones. An authentic Navajo bracelet is highly desired by native American art collectors, as well as those that just love exquisitely beautiful jewelry.

The most renown legacy of jewelry making in the United States belongs to the Navajo Indians. After the Navajo acquired silversmithing from the Spanish in the mid 1800's, their culture flourished with jewelry making skills, and their distinctive finely crafted adornments began to appear at Indian trading posts throughout the Four Corners region.

For bracelets made prior to the 1920s, Navajo jewelers got their silver and gold by melting down coins. Due to availability, turquoise became the primary gem used to decorate their bracelets, but other materials such as fire opals, shell, coral, lapis, onyx and tiger-eye were also used. Engraving and stamping was accomplished by a chisel, awl, and punch. Traditional Navajo jewelry is symmetrical, repetitive and balanced in design. Contrary to popular belief, an authentic early Navajo bracelet would rarely include design work with buffaloes, rain clouds, arrowheads, tepees, or other such over used symbols. Navajo bracelets and other jewelry incorporating these designs only began to appear as the demand for Navajo jewelry increased.

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Important Note: The following are auction listings, over which this site has no control with respect to their authenticity as genuine Navajo made Bracelets. Some may be Navajo "style", which is fine, if that is what you are looking to purchase. Please read the listings carefully then make your own decisions, and buy from reputable sellers with high feedback ratings.

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