Native American Jewelry
Native American jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes but it is all amazingly beautiful. The best way to differentiate it from more common jewelry is by the distinctive Native American style. Each southwestern tribe has its own unique look. The Navajo artists have mastered the use of turquoise in their jewelry; they create phenomenal pieces, utilizing this magical stone. Hopi silversmiths have their own impeccable silver overlay technique, they use symbols found in nature to create immaculate designs with this method. The Zuni jewelry makers leave their mark with their stone inlay techniques. It takes skilled hands to fashion these pieces making it one of the most recognizable handcrafting styles with the world.
Quality of Native American Jewelry
 There are many important factors that determine the quality and value of an article of jewelry. The way the piece was made, the quality and rarity of the stones and metals used, the age, the size and the skill of the artist who created the jewelry are all factors in determining the true value of the items. According to these characteristics, the jewelry can be organized into three major categories according to their worth. Machine made jewelry is made by a machine in mass quantities and the quality of the stones and metals used are usually less valuable. Handmade Native American jewelry is significantly more valuable considering each piece is more unique and take considerably more skill and time to make. Museum quality is a unique one of a kind piece of jewelry made with high quality materials. These pieces are usually made by skilled artists and are usually more expensive.
 Machine MadeMachines allow for a fast, cheap method for creating jewelry. The jewelry is manufactured in massive quantities for a fashionable style. Though this way is an efficient way to quickly deliver jewelry to the public it makes these pieces less valuable. The materials used in making these items tend to be cheaper as well which also brings down the true value of the item.
 HandmadeQuality handmade jewelry has been fashioned and assembled by hand without the assistance of computers or automated machines. Many people prefer handmade jewelry because it is more unique due to the human touch. These pieces are also more likely to have custom designs and higher quality jewels than machine made items. This dramatically adds value to the piece of jewelry because of the amount of effort required to create it and quality of work.
 Museum Quality What separates museum quality jewelry from other handmade jewelry is generally the final value of the item. The many factors that make an item more valuable can help distinguish what qualifies the piece to be museum worthy. These items are usually either really old, made with very high quality materials, a unique size and style or designed by experienced skilled jewelry artists. The piece to the right is a museum quality bolo tie made by famous artist Ric Charlie.
Types of Native American Jewelry
 When it comes to Native American jewelry there are many shapes and sizes, some are commonly seen modern styles others are not so standard. The bulk of the southwestern Indian jewelry is made up of basic bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, and other familiar jewelry pieces as well as southwestern style bolo ties and concho belts. The unique native American jewelry fashion is very different from the mainstream market. Once you lay your eyes on these tiny sculptures you will never forget its distinctive look. The the combination of colors and designs are not seen anywhere else in the world. Here is a brief description of these types of jewelry.
BraceletsA bracelet is a piece of jewelry worn around the wrist or the upper arm. This is one of the most desired and purchased articles of jewelry among Native American trade. Most modern pieces are made with a silver base with imbedded designs using jewels and layers of other metals.
 NecklacesNecklaces are articles of jewelry which are worn around the neck. Native American style necklaces come in a large variety of shapes and sizes ranging from threads of liquid silver threads, to simple beaded stones and shells to, huge elaborate Navajo turquoise masterpieces.
 EarringsEarrings are jewellry designed to attach to the ears. Today southwestern Native American earrings are generally made to hang or dangle from the lower ear lobe, they are usually of a very simple stone or silver design making them very affordable. Often earrings are part of a larger set which complement a necklace or bracelet design.
 RingsA ring is an ornament worn around the finger. Native American rings very distinct and usually made of sterling silver with stone designs. These rings are popular in the mens fashion industry as well as inspired couples looking to find a unique style of engagement or wedding rings.
 Bolo TiesA bolo tie is a unique type of southwestern jewelry. Though not a necklace it is worn around the neck in the place or a customary tie. The bolo tie is made up of a long piece of braded leather with decorative metal tips on each end. The tie is secured by a special ornamental clasp which is typically the showpiece.
 Concho BeltsA concho belt is another unique southwestern style of jewelry, it is a standard belt which has been decorated with plates of metal with imbedded designs, stones and jewels. Designs are usually made with several plates which span the entire length of the belt. Often a large matching belt buckle will company the belt.
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