How does the weight of a Navajo necklace affect the price?
Weight is directly related to price. Two similar looking 18” necklaces, for example, one weighing 20 grams and one weighing 50 grams will vary greatly in price, the latter probably costing 3 times the former. Weight also affects drape.
What kind of jewelry did the Navajo Indians wear?
Sterling Silver Navajo bead necklaces are an old tradition with Navajo silversmiths. Besides being used alone as necklaces or necklaces with pendants, sterling silver beads are an integral part of squash blossom necklaces.
How does a Navajo silversmith make beads?
The Navajo silversmith that makes beads has two specialized hand tools. One is a dapping block that has concave half domes of various sizes in it. The other is a set of correspondingly sized dapping punches, which have ball ends. Each bead starts out as two flat discs of sterling silver of a specific size.
How big of a necklace do you need for Navajo pearls?
Longer necklaces, those up to 28 inches in length can be used alone or in combination with fetish, heishi or squash blossom necklaces. You have one set of plain 18” beads (all-one-size) that are ideal for use alone as the classic “Navajo Pearls” or with a pendant.
Where can I Pawn my Native American jewelry?
In times of need, Native American turquoise jewelry could be pawned to authorized agents and pawn shops that were springing up along the boundaries of the reservation.
Why did the Navajo Indians use pawn shops?
There would often be a lot of movement of jewelry in and out of the pawn shops during the summer ceremonies and dances as the pawn shops were also a way of keeping this jewelry safe for the Navajo – who were herders and moved with their flocks – much like putting one’s money in a bank for safekeeping.
How to sell old Navajo silver and turquoise jewelry?
Call Jamie at 1-505-598-6570 or email [email protected] for any questions you may have about any of our Navajo Old and Antique Dead Pawn Jewelry or other Native American old and vintage jewelry that we carry for sale.
How long has Old Pawn Jewelry been around?
What is old pawn jewelry? Old pawn Native American jewelry has been at the heart of the Southwest economy and culture for roughly 150 years.
