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In addition to tools required for silversmithing, the silver itself is necessary. The old-time Native American silversmith liked coin silver, often made from pesos. The old pesos that the Native Indian silversmiths melted for their jewelry probably were of a good grade of silver. The pesos issued for some years previous and until about 1940 were 0.720 fine and could be used for jewelry. These pesos were 1 5/16", in diameter. Then in about 1947 two new coins were struck. a one-peso piece and

The Navajo people have been making jewelry for many years. Before the Navajo people were introduced to incorporating silver into their jewelry, their wares consisted mainly of beads, shells, and animal parts. Atsidi Sani is known as the "father" or "first" Navajo silversmith. Taught by a Mexican silversmith they called Nakai Tsosi, Sani actually began his craft by blacksmithing and working with iron. Most of his silversmithing was done between 1860 and 1890, when he mastered the craft using silv

The unique squash blossom necklace originated by the Navajo from three foreign elements. The silver beads were evidently evolved from two button halves soldered together to make a bead. The buttons were from Spanish clothing decoration. The "squash blossom" was evidently copied from the silver pomegranate blossom seen on the trousers of men from Granada, Spain. The Naja or Crescent shaped pendant was borrowed from the Spanish horse headstall or bridle which in turn was adopted from the Moor

The O’odham mainly focus on Southwestern basketry. Native American baskets originally, like pottery, were completely utilitarian, and were being constructed well before pottery. Discoveries of Hohokam baskets go back 1300 years and were probably being made in the area well before that. Unfortunately baskets biodegrade while fired pottery lasts for ages which is why you come across Southwestern pottery well before Southwestern Native American Indian Baskets. O’odham baskets are still being made t

Our Native American Artists and Silver smiths have hand-crafted pieces of turquoise jewelry for several television shows, movies and Hollywood celebrities. They have chosen our turquoise watches, turquoise necklaces, turquoise belt buckles, turquoise concho belts, turquoise bracelets and several other turquoise masterpieces. Recently Alltribes has made pieces for celebrities in television shows such as The Office, CSI and American Idol. High fashion sterling silver turquoise