Southern and Southwestern Indian cultures have long used silversmithing as a means of self-expression. This form of expression dates back to the nineteenth century. For example, how would you define silver smithing as a craft? Creating a buckle, button, or pair of turquoise earrings, among other items, requires mastery of the silver smithing craft, which entails shaping small pieces of silver metal. As Native American Indians gained experience working with silver, they began incorporating semiprecious stones like turquoise into their work in more daring and innovative ways. The Navajo Native American artists were able to supplement their incomes with their work.

The Beginnings

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Native American Indian craftspeople lacked access to modern machinery or improved equipment. The silversmith would set the individual pieces of silver over the charcoal, then use the hand bellows to raise the temperature of the charcoal to the point where the solder would melt. A Native American Indian craftsman would use bits of discarded wagon iron to fashion his or her various implements. Silver was only accessible in the shape of American or Mexican coins. Silver and brass from spent bullet casings were melted down and used to make the solder.

The Growth

As the economy improved, service stations popped up all across the southwest. The Native American Indian artists suddenly had access to gasoline. Gasoline torches have replaced traditional charcoal heaters. Along with gasoline torches, new tools became available such as metal rolling mills, wire dies, and ingot molds. Bars of silver could be purchased and melted down for use in the ingot presses. Silver ingots can be rolled through a metal rolling mill or drawn through wire dies to produce silver sheets or wire. Tin snips, hacksaws, jeweler's saws, and sharp nose pliers also became accessible.

New equipment, such as acetylene torches, became available as the art form developed. Better hand tools became available such as hammers, anvils, pliers, and saws. The most crucial development was the availability of silver for purchase in the form of sheets and wires of varying diameters.

Today

Silver jewelry and other items crafted with skill are currently on display all over the globe. A Navajo Squash Blossom necklace or a Navajo concho belt would be the most well-known piece of art. Today numerous people wear Native American Indian jewelry from actors on television to the school teacher at the local school.

Fashionable & Designer Sterling Silver Bracelets

Bracelets made of sterling silver are a current accessory trend. A vast variety of them is available. Beautiful and inexpensive, sterling silver bracelets are a great choice. As opposed to more precious metals like gold or platinum, the price of sterling silver is far more reasonable. So you may easily construct a customized collection of different sorts of silver bracelets.

Popular designs of sterling silver bracelets

If you're a cuff-lover, you're probably aware that you can find a wide selection of cuffs in stores. Some of the cuffs are understated in their sophistication. You may have come across solitary gemstone cuffs. These bracelets have inlaid opal, turquoise, mother-of-pearl, or jasper. The simplicity and elegance of this cuff bracelet are made from sterling silver and a single big diamond. The cuffs of those who believe their fortunes will improve if they wear a particular stone may be adorned with the stone they consider to be most lucky. You might even go for something more ornate like tiered cuffs. Similarly alluring are bangles with a wave design.

Lightweight sterling silver chain bracelets are a popular accessory choice. Intricate chain designs are what make these bracelets so stunning.

Bangle bracelets made of sterling silver feature classic patterns. You can pick with designs like a fish hook, hammered twist, or diamond cut.

Sterling silver link bracelets

The design of these bracelets is intriguing since the links have varied forms and designs like oval, square, or rectangle. Turquoise and sapphire are only two examples of the variety of stones that can be used to make the links.

Sterling silver beaded bracelets: These bracelets can be adorned with crystals, pearls, quartz, or wish beads. They may also be embellished with stones like amethyst, opal, or ruby.

You can readily find these bracelets in online stores. However, when you buy a bracelet, be sure it has a stamp that certifies the silver's purity, such as "925," "Sterling," or "Ster."

Things to remember while using silver bracelets

You should maintain your sterling silver bracelet apart from other jewelry since it is susceptible to getting scratched. However, wearing the bracelet all the time is a fantastic idea since touch with your skin will make the metal element of the bracelet glow. When working with ammonia or bleach, for example, you should always remove your bracelet. When going to the beach, take off the bracelet since the salt water can corrode the metal.