An American Classic

Silver and turquoise hold a historic legacy in the United States. Native American jewelry is renowned worldwide for its unique style and design. It is influenced by the land, spiritual beliefs, legends, and cultures of each unique nation, from the Southwest to those in the Northeast. To many, turquoise stands for water, sky, bountiful harvests, health, and protection.

Turquoise has been used for jewelry and ceremonial purposes and traded within and outside the region for over 1,000 years. The wealth of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas traditionally had to be portable. Jewelry was not just for decoration and embellishment; it was as much a wearable bank for the owner, highlighting rank, history, and individuality. It had a key role in trade between tribes, as styles and designs varied between Nations. Creative methods were also shared between Nations, like incorporating the craft of silversmithing from the Spanish in the 1850s.

Today’s talented artists merge their own inspirations with the skills and traditions that have been passed down for generations. This rich heritage of Native American artistry has inspired iconic American fashion designer Ralph Lauren, who shows beautiful pieces with his collections from the runway to the Met Gala. American icon Tiffany & Co. also used turquoise mined in New Mexico in the 1800s, which inspired their legendary blue box.