How Do You Make Silver Indian Jewelry?
The art of silver jewelry making was brought to the Navajo Indians in the 1800s by Mexican metalworkers, and has since been disseminated throughout the tribes. Over time, a recognizable style emerged that continues to be produced by Indian silversmiths and artists. The style is most known for its use of combined silver metal and turquoise stone, but also the processes of repousee, chasing and stamping. To create jewelry in this style, beginner jewelry makers will need to start with a basic jewelry project like a pendant. Draw out your pendant design. Place your turquoise cabochons onto the design, arranging them as desired, then trace around the outside of each stone to mark the position. Draw, in the remaining open spaces in the pendant, small designs that will be cut from the metal. Cut the pendant shape out of the paper. Glue the paper design to the silver sheet metal with rubber cement. Let the glue dry. Cut the design from the sheet metal, using a jeweler’s hand saw. If you have m
