Native American jewelry has its own style and beauty. One of the reasons for this is its use of turquoise to construct remarkable pieces. Traditional women’s jewelry crafted in Native American designs includes turquoise cuff bracelets, earrings, pins, hair pieces and necklaces. One very popular piece of jewelry commonly made by Native Americans is the turquoise cuff. The turquoise cuff bracelet is usually accented with silver because silver is easily shaped to fit the wrist.
Native American Jewelry and the Turquoise Cuff
Both women and men wear turquoise cuff bracelets in traditional Native American dress. The turquoise cuff is normally ornamented with a large turquoise stone. Turquoise cuff can also have beads, silver or other precious stones to make the piece of jewelry look gorgeous. Turquoise cuff are always rich in green color like the turquoise stone used in it.
Where is Turquoise Found?
The Southwest has always been full of turquoise deposits. These deposits have been mined for thousands of years. Due to the large amount of the mineral in the local area of Native Americans, it became a logical material to make jewelry like turquoise cuffs. Throughout the history of Native Americans in the Southwest, turquoise cuff and other turquoise jewelry have always been worn by members of the tribe. It is also seen as a color of good luck and health, by which is something that all the Native Americans wished to be blessed.
Common Native American Jewelry
Silver squash necklaces and silver conch belts are common accessories much like turquoise cuffs. These items are used for special occasion dress traditionally. The modern Native American will wear these items as they wish because there are not many rules when it comes to modern Native American style.
Turquoise Cuff: Jewelry and Artifacts
Traditional and antique turquoise are displayed in some museums. There are many pieces left as artifacts from past tribes and quite of few of these are displayed in museums celebrating Native American life. Real turquoise is quite expensive so the artifacts are very valuable. There are very intricately designed turquoise cuff necklaces, turquoise cuff bracelets and other turquoise cuff jewelry available for viewing.
Turquoise Cuff Bracelets
If you are interested in buying some beautiful Native American jewelry, turquoise cuff necklaces and turquoise cuff bracelets are great pieces to purchase. They truly have the traditional feel of the Native American ceremonial dress and there beauty and value will remain the same, or maybe even grow, in the future. The craftsmanship of these pieces by the Native Americans is truly a marvel to behold.