When you’re researching pearls, you might come across the term Navajo pearls. The Navajo, or Diné, are a Native American tribe indigenous to the Southwestern United States who are respected for their craftsmanship, especially their jewelry. Navajo pearls belong to this rich cultural tradition and are a prized form of jewelry.
However, Navajo pearls are very different from the pearls you are probably familiar with. Here is what you need to know about this style of jewelry.
Table of Contents
- What Are Navajo Pearls?
- What Are the Characteristics of Navajo Pearls?
- How to tell if navajo pearls are real
- Types of Jewelry That Use Navajo Pearls
What Are Navajo Pearls?
Navajo pearls are not actually pearls but unique beads made out of sterling silver. To this day, true Navajo pearls are handmade, not machine-crafted, giving them a unique shape and heft.
The Navajo, or Diné as they call themselves in their native language, are indigenous to the Southwest United States, including Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. In the 15th century, indigenous people in this area came in contact with the Spanish, who settled and conquered areas in the region.
Through trading and war, the Navajo obtained sterling silver. They had already developed a rich jewelry-making tradition using natural materials found in the area, such as turquoise, and bead necklaces were prized in the culture. Navajo pearls incorporated beautifully into this existing tradition and are here to stay.
What Are the Characteristics of Navajo Pearls?
Navajo pearls have to be handmade, and any machine-made pearl does not get to carry this name. The process of making Navajo pearls is very involved. Silver is melted, rolled into oblong shapes, then cut into beads. Each individual bead is then sanded and polished to create a shiny surface and punched with holes to string onto jewelry.
Navajo pearls can be round, but they usually aren’t perfectly spherical. They also come in a few other shapes, such as melon, fluted, and hogan, which are beads that come to a raised ridge in the middle.
Some Navajo pearls are smooth, polished silver, while others have embossed or hand-stamped designs. Sometimes, the beads are allowed to oxidize intentionally to create patterns on the surface.
When looking for authentic Navajo pearls, make sure that the pearls contain some imperfections and are not perfectly uniform, as those are signs of machine production.
Ask to see information about manufacturing and artistry, as artisans take their production process very seriously. When possible, support Navajo artisans who are continuing their tradition of craftwork and putting in the hard work to ensure quality jewelry gets to consumers.
How to tell if navajo pearls are real
When it comes to determining whether or not a set of Navajo Pearls is real, there are several key factors to consider.
The first and most important factor is the quality of the pearls themselves. Genuine, authentic Navajo Pearls should have a smooth, even texture and be free from any blemishes or discolorations. Additionally, genuine Navajo Pearls will have a luster that reflects light off their surfaces in an eye-catching way.
Another factor when it comes to telling if a set of pearls is real is their origin. Genuine Navajo Pearls come exclusively from the Navajo Nation in Arizona and New Mexico, so if you can trace the source back to these areas then they are likely genuine.
Lastly, if you’re buying Navajo Pearls from a store, make sure to ask for certification papers that prove their authenticity. That way you can have peace of mind when investing in these unique beads.
By taking into account the quality, origin, and certifications of any set of pearls, you can ensure that you are purchasing genuine Navajo Pearls.
Types of Jewelry That Use Navajo Pearls
Navajo Pearls usually come in strings. They are used to make gorgeous necklaces, especially long, looping strands of beads that add a Western flair to any outfit.
Navajo pearls are also used in jewelry that blends other traditional materials such as turquoise and coral. The contrast between the simple silver and the vibrant color of the other materials makes for beautiful jewelry.
Finally, Navajo pearls are sometimes used to make squash blossom necklaces, although these designs usually use squash blossom beads, a different type of silverwork.
