Native American jewelry, including Native American necklaces, is very popular among both American Indians and non-natives alike. Generally featuring silver or copper, and often with turquoise, coral, shell, bone, or beading, traditional pieces are not only fashionable but also very meaningful. Traditional designs reflect the important symbols, motifs, and beliefs of the tribe by which they are crafted.
For many tribal peoples, including the Navajo, jewelry’s meaning can be spiritual, monetary, or aesthetic, or a combination of the three. It traditionally represented its wearer’s status. Designs have a special meaning too.
Some common Native American symbols used in jewelry and their meanings include:
Arrow: bow and arrow; protection and defense. A broken arrow represents peace between tribes.
Bear: a sacred sign of courage and physical power
Buffalo: humility and the sustaining of life
Butterfly: transformation, peace, a messenger from the Spirit world
Cactus: endurance and protection
Circle (sometimes with a cross): air, water, fire, earth; alternatively seasonal changes, death and rebirth, and mankind’s first four tribes
Coyote: ancestors, craftiness, intelligence
Crow: intelligence, fearlessness, creation
Dragonfly: resurrection, encouragement
Eagle: conquest, power, victory
Falcon: decisiveness, knowledge, vision
Feathers: trust, wisdom, strength, honor, freedom
Fire: renewal, cleansing, purification
Fox: cunning, responsiveness, cleverness
Horse: freedom, nobility, strength
Moon: protection, harvest, serenity
Rain: fertility, renewal, change
Raven: healing, medicine, self-transformation. Messages from the Spirit world.
Snake: healing, rebirth, good luck
Thunderbird: the iconic symbol representing power and warning
Turtle: Earth, health, longevity
Wolf: communication, loyalty, fierceness, compassion
Jewelry is meant to be worn and loved. Some believe that turquoise holds the life force of its previous wearer. This powerful stone is renowned in Navajo Jewelry, and if you are acquiring a piece that has been pre-loved, which is very meaningful, you may wish to “cleanse” your stone with white sage smudging or other crystal cleansing practices prior to donning it.
Owning and wearing authentic Native American necklaces and other traditional jewelry pieces gives the wearer access to unique cultural and spiritual designs. Native artisans work hard to create authentic pieces that reflect the beliefs and cultures of their people, and estate jewelry is that little bit even more special, having a one-of-a-kind history attached to each piece.
