It’s A Women’s World

Native American jewelry occupies a distinct place in the world of jewelry. We’re all familiar with the beautiful silver and turquoise rings and necklaces, with their often ornate and intricate designs. Perhaps not so many of us are aware of the rich history, symbolism and traditions inherent in Native American jewelry, practiced to this day by Native artisans.

Most of the Native American jewelry we find on the market today comes from the American southwest, the predominant source of turquoise in what is now the United States. Archaeologists have unearthed turquoise used in necklaces and earrings dating back to about 200 B.C. Although other tribes, such as the Apache and Pueblo were indigenous prior to the Navajo, it was mainly the Navajo who developed the art of Native American jewelry.

The Spanish and the Pueblo tribe were influential in Navajo designs. The ornate and intricate Moorish patterns and designs were incorporated into elaborate Navajo interpretations. Spanish designs of the pomegranate blossom were eagerly interpreted by the Navajo, eventually resulting in the squash blossom necklace. The Navajo valued shapes and designs of the Spanish-Moorish influence, but only for the visual aspect. The original meanings of the Moorish crescent and pomegranate blossom had no significance in the resulting Navajo jewelry.

It was not until around 1850 that silver smithing entered the venue of Native American jewelry. Mexican silversmiths traded silver and techniques with the Navajo and Pueblo. Mexican silver coins became the favored source of silver in the making of jewelry items. New types and styles of jewelry were devised, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and hair ornaments. The famous concho belts were another result of the exchange between cultures.

Soon, the crafting of Native American jewelry spread across the southwest. The Zuni and Hopi tribes developed distinctive slants on their new knowledge. The Zuni were particularly skilled in working gems and stones, using silver in their designs in ways the Navajo and Pueblo did not. The Hopi also used their symbols and designs to produce a genre that was distinctive to their culture, incorporating pottery designs of birds, animals and tribal symbols dating to the 15th century.

For some time, turquoise was the most widely used stone in all Native American jewelry, probably due to the fact that it was plentiful in the southwest and the symbolism of the stone to each tribe. All the tribes attributed different meanings and powers to turquoise, but was revered by all.

Eventually, gold work was integrated into the store of materials used in the making of Native American jewelry. Other non-traditional materials, especially stones such as coral and gaspeite and mother-of-pearl soon became popular additions to the lapidaries work box.

Today, Native American jewelry as an art transcends individual tribes, making identification of a piece as Navajo or Hopi difficult. Tribal artists integrate symbols, designs and techniques into a synthesis of many tribes, becoming individual and masterful works of art, commonly known as Native American jewelry.

The Italian people are vivacious, expressive, artistic and are passionate about life. Everything is art! Whether you’re talking food, festivals, drama or art, every Italian is an artist, and the rendition and presentation are beloved traditions of celebration.Â� Italian women are elegant when it comes to fashion and shopping for jewelry to accessorize is almost a hobby.Â� Italian jewelry has a rich and interesting history and the craftsmanship is world renowned. Come with me and see why.

Fine Italian jewelry making is a centuries old traditional art and Italian jewelers today are as passionate about their craft as they were in the 1300s. In fact, classical Italian jewelry made today still reflects the influences of ancient civilizations encountered in the far reaches of the Roman Empire. Egypt and Greece were particularly influential.Â� Over the centuries, various designs and techniques of many cultures have been synthesized into the Italian jeweler’s repertoire, producing the stunning creations you’ll find in Italian jewelry design today.

Gold is still the metal of choice of many Italian jewelry designers. Techniques gleaned from Etruscan designs dating to the 9th century B.C. are still in use today. One famous Italian artisan, Pio Fortuna Castellani, is credited with reviving the Etruscan technique known as granulation, a particularly beautiful and unusual effect in gold work. The House of Castellani carries on this work today, passed down from Pio Fortuna. Granulated gold work is revered by jewelry connoisseurs and today’s top Italian jewelry designers passionately craft their works of art for many eager customers. The granulation technique is signature to classical Italian jewelry.

Sterling silver is not neglected by the Italian jeweler. Necklaces, pendants, earrings, pins, hair ornaments and bracelets are some of the types of adornments you’ll find. Italian jewelry has a centuries acknowledged reputation for creative pieces of the best quality.

Even costume, everyday type Italian jewelry reflects the creative design and vivid imagery with which every Italian seems to be blessed. Everyday Italian costume jewelry is often vividly colored, elaborate, or simply over sized. The word “flair” comes to mind when thinking of their designs. Any Italian jewelry piece is bound to be a trend setter.

Several years ago, I was lucky enough to visit Rome. My daughter and I were shopping near the Vatican one evening. The shops were each a work of art in their own right, and the Italian jewelry shops were spectacular displays of true art! So beautiful were these pieces, it made you want to eat them!Â� If you can’t visit Italy, you can take a virtual tour of Italian jewelry shops right from your computer. Italian jewelry websites are as artful as their brick-and-mortar counterparts, with high quality images of this luscious jewelry. Go take a look for yourself!