Mother of Pearl Inlay Necklace
Sterling Silver, Jet, and Mother of Pearl Inlay Necklace By Artist Nestoria Coriz. This necklace features a tear drop shaped sterling silver bezel set Mother of Pearl Shell inlay design on two strands of graduated black Jet discs with sterling handmade barrel beads with a hook an eye clasp. This necklace is 30inches.
History of Native American Jewelry
Native American Jewelry has a unique past. Native Americans started making silver jewelry in the late 1800’s when the Spaniards came, making jewelry, ornaments for their horses and trinkets for barter. But Native American jewelry made before this time provided the foundation for their own style. Although tribes and their styles vary, some common themes persist.
There is significant evidence of beaded turquoise jewelry. Turquoise and shell, paired with feathers would be strung and hung from every place possible. Yarn, leather, and sinew were woven into patterns and incorporated into necklaces, bracelets and clothing with the stones and shell. Other unique, beautiful items from nature would be included as much as possible. Metal was rare but not out of the picture entirely. Gold and Silver was worked by Native people of Mexico and Central America since the time of the Aztec, so its possible Native American tribes living in the southwest region could be aware of metal working in some way much earlier than the Spanish arrival. It is even difficult to put a date on just when the Native Americans started making silver jewelry after the Spanish arrival.