History of Native American Turquoise Bracelets
Native Americans have always had a penchant for jewelry and jewelry making, especially Native American turquoise bracelets. Prior to 1820, Native Americans did not use metals in their jewelry. They instead used beads, bone, shell, and mosaics over wood.
The earliest occurrence of metal being used was in the 1820’s when Spanish and Mexican metal smiths introduced the trade to the Southern Plains Native Americans. It was not long before Native American turquoise bracelets were born. Most of us hear the words “Native American jewelry” and our minds eye forms images of beautiful silver and turquoise creations. Some would immediately picture rings but most would picture Native American turquoise bracelets.
Native American Turquoise Bracelets and the Meaning of Turquoise
For Native Americans, the earth is everything. It provides food and shelter and a means of beautifully adorning themselves. The legend for turquoise is a lovely one. Overwhelming gratitude for rain would cause tears of joy that mingled with the rain. The mixture was received through the ground and Mother Earth would turn the mixture into sky stone.
The Native Americans recognized this as something very special. Turquoise can be found close to the surface of the earth, and deposits are often visible by the naked eye. It was easy for the Native Americans to mine the stone with rock tools or even pieces of antler. Native American turquoise bracelets would never have been without this discovery!
Native American Turquoise Bracelets and Good Gifts Given
The stone in Native American turquoise bracelets has several associations. The most popular are: water, blessing, healing and protection. It is no wonder that Native American turquoise bracelets are often given as a gift. Some believe Native American turquoise bracelets can be worn to enter the right path for substance abuse recovery.
Aesthetics of Native American Turquoise Bracelets
Native American turquoise bracelets come in many styles. One of the more popular and enduring styles of Native American turquoise bracelets is the cuff. A cuff is a rounded rigid piece of metal that does not have a clasp. There is a gap is the metal to aid in slipping the bracelet on and off of the wrist. Native American turquoise bracelets come in many other styles as well.
Whichever style you choose, Native American turquoise bracelets are an enduring piece of history and should be worn proudly.