An invaluable step-by-step guide to traditional Native American jewelry. From exquisite squash blossom necklaces, buttons and bola ties to hair ornaments, pistol grips and silver goblets, traditional Indian silversmithing is one of the foremost crafts in America. In this Southwestern classic, Oscar T. Branson provides a wealth of knowledge on the tools, techniques, history, and styles of Indian jewelry--timeless art from yesterday that still influences today's metal craftwork. Wire-O binding. 120 color photos.

Far more than merely a display of wealth and taste, jewelry is an integral element in the lives of the people of India. Drawing on more than 35 years of collecting and research, Untracht surveys the major Indian jewelry forms and techniques, exploring Indian jewelry as both an ongoing aesthetic spanning 5,000 years and a highly significant form of cultural expression. 870 illustrations, 220 in color.

A dazzling exploration of both traditional and contemporary jewelry. Spectacular photographs of the beautiful jewelry and sensitive portraits of the artists combine with an insightful, informative text to capture the spirit of this work and of the cultures from which it springs. Includes a collector's guide and a directory of sources. 210 illustrations, 155 in full color.

Since time immemorial, India has lured those in quest of spices, gold and precious gems. Spanning 5,000 years of this glorious legacy, 'Indian Jewellery: the Golden Smile of India', takes an ethnographic approach to the subject, weaving factual information and sumptuous images with the fascinating stories of ancient travellers to India.

The artist-makers represented here come from every region of the United States, making this book a compilation of many native traditions as well as modern styles. Exciting background ideas are expressed in the details of these works, so their study and appreciation is quite fascinating. Over 50 living jewelry masters of Native American heritage are featured in this lavish new book. Their dynamic work includes many pieces that were awarded at recent juried shows. Tufa casting, stone cutting, engraving, metalsmithing, and other technical skills that are highly refined and personalized are evident, demonstrating the work of true Masters in this evolving field. See and be inspired by new designs in bead necklaces, silver bracelets, pendants, pins, earrings, belts, and rings, as well as sculpture that ranks as wearable art. Marvel at the new pieces by top masters living today.

This beautiful book examines the first century of Navajo and Pueblo metal jewelry-making in the American Southwest. Beginning in the late 1860s, the region's native peoples learned metalworking and united it with a traditon of beads and ornaments made from turquoise and other natural materials. The cross-cultural appeal of this jewelry continued into the mid-1900s, and by the 1950s and 1960s masters created a legacy of fine art jewelry that is prized today.

A handicraft guide to American Indian beadwork for those seeking the fundamentals of construction and ideas of design—fully illustrated throughout. American Indian Beadwork includes: -Directions for beading stitches -Directions for making and stringing a loom -Fifty-four black-and-white photographs of actual Indian beadwork -Thirteen full-color pages of 132 authentic Indian patterns for your own beadwork

With a fascinating variety of American Indian rings from the southwestern United States shown in more than 350 color photos, this book provides a design history of these rings, beginning with pre-contact artifacts and continuing through to contemporary artistic innovations. The text surveys key developments in Native American ring design; materials and methods of construction; definitions for historical and vintage rings; master innovators; and the transition from craft to wearable art since 1980. Shortly after the Civil War, Native American artisans began making silver rings set with turquoise, coral, jet, mother-of-pearl, and colored shell, adding lapis, malachite, onyx, and petrified wood over the decades. More recently, artisans began utilizing gold and such non-traditional settings as opals and diamonds, among others. Works by Navajo (also known as Din) and Pueblo artists are featured, although Apache, Northern Cheyenne, and Sonoran Desert Native jewelers are also included. A guide to valuation issues and resources is offered for collectors.

The lovely stone inlay work in Zuni jewellery is world famous and here it is shown in popular forms for men and women. 90 brilliant colour photographs and a brand new price guide present hundreds of Zuni jewellery forms to tempt and delight collectors throughout Asia, Europe and America. Modern artists are identified.

Traditional silversmithing methods are shown in full-color photos and illustrations with instructions for each project.