5 Precious Stones in Use In Native American Jewelry and Bolo Ties

The significance of Turquoise in Native American Jewelry is already known to the world. However, it is not the only precious stone used by them. Many precious and semi-precious stones are extensively used by Natives to craft authentic jewelry and bolo ties. Not only this, they are often paired with this renowned stone for embellishment to bring out the magnificent finish.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of other stones that you’ll find in Indian and Navajo bolo ties and jewelry:

Coral

Coral is an organic gem formed by living organisms in the deep ocean. Derived from the colony of marine creatures, red coral is mostly used in Navajo and Zuni Bolo ties. According to ancient Romans’ belief, Coral offers protection, especially to children, and cures poisonous bites from snakes and scorpions. Not only by Romans, but the stone was also used by ancient Egyptians in Prehistoric times. Originally, Americans were introduced to Coral by European settlers who brought these precious from the Mediterranean. In today’s time, coral, in cabochon form, is often paired with turquoise to add a stunning effect in Navajo jewelry as well as in Zuni pieces.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl is commonly used to refer to Nacre, which is a blend of minerals secreted by oysters, abalone, and mollusk creatures to protect against foreign irritants. Natives find the use of this natural layer, which ultimately creates a pearl, in jewelry creation. It is mainly of white and silver color with a hint of an iridescent rainbow. Commonly, the cabochon form of the pearl is used with other gems in Indian and Zuni pieces.

Jet

Jet is glass-like lignite of organic origin that is formed from wood that dates back millions of years. Natives used this precious to carve fetishes and particularly in inlay jewelry. In appearance, Jet looks similar to obsidian Apache tear, onyx, and tourmaline but is much lighter in weight. In today’s time, Jet is mined extremely from the region of Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico.

Spondylus

Spondylys, which is also known as spiny oyster and thorny oyster, is a species of oyster with a layer of spines. Its shell makes an organic gemstone, mainly collected from the coast of California, Gulf of Mexico, and the Sea of Cortez. Most prominent colors of Spondylys are orange and red but are found in hues from red to purple, and white to orange. This precious is highly used to make beads. When paired with turquoise, Spondylys creates beautiful pieces of jewelry. Additionally, the shell makes a dramatic effect in Navajo jewelry when inlaid with other gemstones.

Lapis Lazuli

Brilliant blue pieces that are mostly used in jewelry making by Natives is Lapis Lazuli. Sometimes, the stone comes with a sliver of gold hues within it. Lapis Lazuli was prized in ancient Egypt and is among the first stones to be used as jewelry. It is believed to carry magical powers by ancients. The highest quality comes from Argentina, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Also, the stone is mined in western Colorado, Egypt, Canada, Chile, Mongolia, and Russia. Lapis Lazuli, when covered in a silver setting, creates the best effect. For this reason, the stone was widely used in making bolo ties, even today.

Owning Indian, Zuni, and Navajo bolo ties, made of turquoise and these precious stones, is possible. Simply, take a look at our collection on the website.