Navajo Spiny Oyster and Turquoise Chip Blend Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

Fit:
Medium

Size:
Inner Diameter: Approx. 1"
Opening: Approx. 2 1/2"
Width: Approx. 1/2"
Stone: Approx. 2/8" x 1/4"

About:
Spiny Oyster and Turquoise Chip jewelry beautifully blends two treasures of the Southwest. Spiny Oyster shell, harvested from the warm waters of the Gulf of California, displays vivid shades of orange, red, and purple. When paired with chips of natural turquoise, the contrast of ocean and earth creates a stunning visual balance, the vibrant life of the sea meeting the sacred stone of the desert. This combination has long been favored by Navajo and Zuni artisans, symbolizing harmony, protection, and connection between land and water.

Native American History:
The production of Native American jewelry began thousands of years ago with stones, bones, coral, and shells. Natives turned these materials into wearable jewelry and traded them for other goods between tribes.
Jewelry was also a marker of status within Native American communities. Individuals of the ruling or elite class typically wore more elaborate pieces to indicate their significant place in society.
Native Americans even carved tiny beads out of shells and bones to wear as necklaces or bracelets, similar to the ones we wear today.
They wore pendants on leather strings, rings, and earrings from materials in their surrounding environment.
Much of the jewelry that is on the market today has been influenced by these early jewelry makers.