Navajo Earrings are one of a kind! The silversmiths use Turquoise, Pink Shell, Onyx, Coral, gaspeite, variscite, coral, multi colored oyster shell, or other stones to decorate their sterling silver earrings. Navajo jewelers are known to use a variety of techniques when crafting earrings. Each pair shows the skill and creativity especially in choosing and setting the stones. However, the Navajo Silversmith’s primary focus is the detailed design with the silver. As generations have passed each has developed there own style, skills and talents. Yet the Navajo jewelers still seem to keep the unique style of their heritage.
At the turn of the century when turquoise started to be come more plentiful old earring were melted down and made in to new jewelry. All the men and began wearing turquoise earrings instead of looped earrings. The Navajo women wore mostly loops of small turquoise beads in their ears at the bottom of which were fastened several bits of red shell. The loops were as much as four of even five inches long. The are not seen very often today. They have been outdated by silver earrings and elaborated decorative designs and set with many stones like the earrings below. This style reflects some of the Zuni influence.
Here are a few pictures of Handmade Navajo Earnings:
