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Native American Bracelets
Bracelets are decorative band or circlet worn around the wrist. An eclectic variety of materials may be used to make up bracelets. The most common materials are metals, however, other materials such as leather, plastic, and rubber can be used to produce such items. The age, material(s), rarity, or type(brand) determine the value of a certain item. Bracelets are worn by almost all cultures to represent personal taste, cultural history, and wealth.
Southwest Native American Bracelets
Native American bracelets are known to be hand made in the Southwest. By far the most common material is silver. Some artists looking to have a unique appearance use copper, brass, and gold. First the artist obtains and forms the desired metal. The bracelet is sometimes decorated with traditional stamp work and overlay patterns. Hand carved leaves and other accenting materials serve to spice up the piece. Stones such as turquoise, jet, lapis and much more are then cut, shaped, and placed onto the piece. Shells and coral are also commonly used on Native American bracelets in the Southwest.
Navajo bracelets are commonly hand-made with accenting silver work that decorates an individual or group of stones. The stones are usually produced in a circular, square, or oval design. Needlepoint turquoise stones are almost never used in Navajo bracelets. Zuni bracelets are often decorated with intricately hand cut needlepoint and petit point turquoise stones. Petit point turquoise stones are very small and made to focus attention to the complexity and micro size. Hopi bracelets often display overlay patterns, sometimes accenting a stone or stones.

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