1898 indian head penny beads on necklace

Native American Tribes and Their Involvement in Jewelry Here is a look at a few of the most common types of Native American jewelry that are still treasured to this day.

Genuine Native American jewelry continues to have significant cultural significance today, with many fashion-forward individuals choosing to wear it to complement both casual and formal attire. Native American jewelry is still prized for the incredible skill and craftsmanship that goes into each piece, as well as the timeless traditional designs that have become so recognizable. Buying authentic Native American jewelry also remains an excellent way to support local Native American artisans. Today, American Indian artists keep this enduring tradition alive, crafting and selling authentic jewelry rooted in ancient traditions passed down from generation to generation. Long ago, the Native Americans used their jewelry as a sort of currency or collateral when trading with the European settlers, and jewelry making quickly become an indispensable element of the tribes’ economic survival. Native American Jewelry Remains Relevant Even Today Although there have been many types of native American jewelry over the years, a great deal of American Indian jewelry was crafted for function over fashion, such as brooches, bridles, and buttons.

Long before the Europeans settled in America and introduced the natives to silversmithing, the Native American tribes used natural resources such as bones, stones, wood, shells, and turquoise to craft earrings, necklaces, pins, bracelets, and other pieces. Indigenous peoples from the United States have been crafting and wearing exquisite jewelry for centuries.

1898 indian head penny beads on necklace