Turquoise has, for centuries, been treasured by the tribes of Native Americans. Originally hand-drilled and strung in its natural nugget state, it has been associated with healing, protection and power. Turquoise necklaces and inlaid shell jewelry were highly prized trade items along the prehistoric routes from South and Central America to the northern tribes of North America. When the Spanish explorers introduced silver to the Native Americans, turquoise jewelry evolved. Concho belts, squash blossom necklaces, beautiful bracelets and other forms of hand made turquoise jewelry became trade items and cherished possessions among the tribes of the Southwest. The earliest of these were hand pounded and stamped by self taught Native American artists who cut their own turquoise stones as well.
These antique turquoise jewelry items were largely created for use and wear by Native Americans themselves. As the railroad entered the Southwest, however, a larger market in the Eastern United States developed. Early pioneers and adventurers also began to collect Native American jewelry.
Each piece of antique Native American
turquoise jewelry is unique. The color of the stones, the stamp work and the designs are individualized and identifiable as authentic pieces of American history. Beautiful examples can be seen in the earliest pictures of the Native Americans. The intrepid early traders and famous artists of the 19th century also proudly collected and wore pieces of antique Native American turquoise jewelry.
Some of the finest pieces of antique turquoise jewelry were collected and passed down through families. Sometimes individual pieces were pawned for goods needed over the winter and redeemed in the spring. Referred to as
old pawn jewelry, these items carry their own kind of mystique since they were typically created and worn by the Native American people rather than sold to traders or collectors. Whatever the history of these exotic pieces, they carry with them a part of American history which, along with the intrinsic value of the turquoise itself and the weight and design of the silver, makes antique Native American turquoise jewelry highly prized and valuable.
As the value of these antique pieces depends on their authenticity, it is important to be sure to deal with someone reputable. There are several online stores that offer old pawn and antique Native American turquoise jewelry. To know more, please log on to
www.turquoisedirect.com and check out the antique jewelry collection at very competitive prices.
