Navajo Jewelry is well known, not just in the Southwest of the United States, but all over the world. The Navajo artisans are known for their skill at silverwork . Each item they make is a work of art. They use Sterling Silver with Turquoise and other semi precious stones in their designs. The Silverwork and the stones themselves can be unique with each piece.
In 1850, a medicine man, Atsidi Sani, became the first Navajo to make silver jewelry. He was taught by a Mexican Silversmith. However, it wasn’t until the early 1900’s when turquoise mines opened in the Four Corners area that turquoise stones set in Sterling Silver became a popular Native American tradition which has survived to present day. **
**from “Treasures of the Navajoâ€by Theda Bassman
