Inlay Jewelry
Quick site links.... How Inlay Jewelry is Made Native American inlay jewelry requires much skill and expertise. The stones are first cut into the specified shape, then strategically placed next to each other to create the design or pattern. There are many ways to create Indian jewelry, however, the two most common forms are stone-to-stone inlay and channel-setting inlay. Stone to stone refers to the intricate placement of each stone being side to side with very little or no silver in between. Channel setting refers to the stones being placed into channels, which are divided by very thin silver dividers.The materials used in Native American inlay jewelry consist of stones such as turquoise, coral, jet, and sand stone. Various shells are also used that include mother of pearl and spiny oyster. Other stones and shells may be used also. The artist then uses a metal base, preferably gold or sterling silver. The stones are then arranged in the metal to form the desired pattern. Native American Inlay Jewelry Many Native American tribes produce inlay silver jewelry. By far the most well known tribe for inlay jewelry is the Zuni Tribe. Zuni inlay jewelry is often considered to be the most intricate hand made Indian jewelry in the world. This art has been handcrafted for over a century. Certain Zuni families are known only for their top-notch inlay work. The quality of inlay work depends on complexity, grade of stones, unique design(s), and how well the stones are aligned and fit together.
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Inlay jewelry is a decorative art that involves layers of fine materials set into a surface in order to create a design or pattern. A variety of materials can be used to create inlay jewelry. Native American jewelry usually is made up of different semi-precious stones. The combined stone positions reveal a distinctive design or pattern. The patterns or pictures seen in American Indian inlay jewelry may symbolize certain religious beliefs, earthly ideas, or memories. 