The intensive research undertaken for this valuable book properly identifies forty-five Native American silversmiths and their hallmarks found on Southwest jewelry. Most of the marks date prior to the 1970s and some as early as the 1920s, along with the marks of traders, guilds, and the government. This fascinating read also provides the stories of the artists and institutions represented by these marks. Over 275 color and black-and-white images illustrate the marks in situ on the jewelry, along with images of artists, trading posts, and guild ads. The text explains why and when these marks were used. Among the important Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo silversmiths whose lives and artworks are explored are Grant Jenkins, Fred Peshlakai, Juan De Dios, Da-Pah, Awa Tsireh, and others. The majority of the talented Indian silversmiths represented here left their homes on the reservation in the early twentieth century to work in cities and tourist venues. The profiles presented also feature a handful of contemporary artists who are recognized as master silversmiths.

More than 125 vivid color photos display groups of Indian-made wrought silver, turquoise, shell, and coral jewelry brought together from the American Southwest. The authors explore the diversity of this handcrafted jewelry from historic collections as well as those available today on reservations. Includes products of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Rio Grande Pueblo artisans.

The author has matched maker's marks used on jewelry, pots, fetish carvings, rugs, and baskets with their names, tribes, relatives, and style notes.

Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry reveals the captivating history of the art of American Indian jewelry making, uncovering the ancient techniques, tools, and materials that have made contemporary southwestern jewelry what it is today. Revolutionists such as Hopi artist Charles Loloma, Navajo silversmith Kenneth Begay, Mexican/Mission jeweler Preston Monongye, and other jewelers began using varied materials and techniques traditionally unknown to the southwest. Pardue has researched the history and contemporary forms of metalworking, gems, stone patterning, and more, plus has dedicated a portion of the book to emerging artists whose work is capturing attention today. As you explore Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry's stunning photography, let the art speak to you of how it came to be and what it represents, echoing a similar message still told by traditional Native American jewelry

Reference of Navajo jewelry

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.