Southwest rings never fail to lure the fashion world. These mysterious pieces of jewelry have an appeal about them that keep attracting people even in this generation. Maybe it is not only because they are from the ancient world, but also because of the artistry and uniqueness of each piece.
History of Southwest Rings
Southwest rings and ornaments are usually made of turquoise. The craft using this precious gem can be traced back to 200 B.C. during the time when trades between different cultures were discovered. According to some researchers, the Navajo tribe started this art. They learned how to make jewelry in the 16th century through the Spanish who taught them how to use silver. Afterwards, Navajo Indians taught other tribes in the Southwest to create southwest rings, bracelets, necklaces, and belt buckles.
The first recognized Navajo silversmith was documented in 1860 in Flagstaff, Arizona. At this point, the metals used to create southwest rings and jewelry were brass, iron, and copper. Furthermore, around the 1820s, Native Americans from the southern plains polished and used silver to make different kinds of southwest rings, bracelets, necklaces, and others.
In the beginning, the Indians got silver by melting coins. Nevertheless, in 1890, the government made a law that defacing currency is illegal. Since then, the tribes just traded with the Spaniards for things to melt like candlesticks and teapots. The silver from these was used to form southwest rings, concha belts, bracelets and pins. Moreover, it was in the 1880s when turquoise became popularly used for southwest rings and accessories.
Turquoise Southwest Rings
Nowadays, turquoise-made southwest rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other kinds of jewelry are popular not only in the United States, but also all over the world. A lot of celebrities, especially in Hollywood, can be seen wearing southwest rings and other accessories. Among these personalities are Eva Mendes, Alicia keys, Scarlett Johansson, Erykah Badu, Paris Hilton, and Faith Hill. These are just a few of those who fashionably wear southwest rings and jewelry. These celebrities are known for their classy style and no doubt these turquoise southwest rings make them stand out.
On the other hand, southwest rings and ornaments are not just for elegant fashion styles. No matter what the fashion statement of a person is, it is possible to find beautiful turquoise southwest rings to match an individual’s style. Buyers can find many them in southwest jewelry stores.
Southwest rings and other Native American jewelry are brilliant pieces of art. Each of them is unique and should be treated like a Michelangelo painting. Wearing them does not only give people a fashionable look, but it also enlivens the rich ancient culture from which they came from.