The evolution of the Native American Indian jewelry Industry has been one of the amazing phenomena’s in the history of art and commerce. From the early 1920’s through the mid 1950’s, Southwestern American Indian jewelry attained a degree of excellence, which rivaled that of distinguished silversmiths throughout history. Regardless of when The Navajo and the Zuni learned silversmithing, who taught them and what they learned from each other, the period from 1920 through the 1950’s represents the “Golden Age” of the art form.

After WWII many Native American men returned home and taking advantage of the GI Bill attended colleges and schools, studying silversmithing and taking metallurgy courses taught by Master Silversmiths such as Kenneth Begay and others. The worldwide awareness and popularity of Native American Indian Jewelry, the number of silversmiths and retail outlets of all sizes and characteristics mushroomed beyond count. The Southern Pacific Railroad extending through the Southwest from Chicago was also a pertinent factor in the popularity of Native American Indian Jewelry. At the rail stops along the way, there were shops, restaurants (Harvey House) or groups of artist's set up to sell jewelry and trinkets to Mid-Western and Eastern Tourists, individuals who wanted a souvenir from the “Wild West” and Indian country. The tourists were amazed at the beautiful silver and turquoise creations that were handcrafted by the Native American artists.

As the 1960’s came upon the country and political and social changes were the play of the day, the entertainment industry, fashions and personalities showing support for our Native Peoples and for the beauty of the creations, were wearing all manner of turquoise jewelry. This created a “boom” period of retail expansion of Native American Indian jewelry and fashions from Saks Fifth avenue to the boutiques in Greenwich Village to San Francisco's Haight Ashbury District.

Turquoise jewelry never goes out of style. In 2007, many Ralph Lauren advertisements in such magazine as 'Vogue' had two page spreads showing the models heavily adorned with beautiful Native American jewelry. In the last two years, we have experienced a definite trend to Native American turquoise and Sterling Silver jewelry abroad from our International Customers. Native American Jewelry is truly an amazing phenomenon.

‘The Jewelry Diva’ by Ruby Lane shop owner Cindy Amirkhan - A Twinkle in Time. Cindy shares her personal knowledge of vintage and costume jewelry with you, including historical information, styles, designers and more. We are certain you will enjoy her monthly column as much as we do. The Editors of Notes from the Lane.

Remember, “Life is Too Short Not to Sparkle” – wear a piece of jewelry everyday and add color and sparkle to your world.

Cindy Amirkhan - A Twinkle in Time

  Indian Jewelry on Ruby Lane