Genuine Navajo Pearl Necklaces - Rich History and Our Diverse Jewelry

The Rich History and Significance of Navajo Pearls

Navajo pearls have a deep cultural meaning and history amongst the Navajo people. These beautiful ivory beads carved from seashells have adorned Navajo jewelry for generations. When threaded alongside stones like turquoise, they create striking combinations in necklaces, bracelets, and more.

Navajo Pearls Origins and Early Use

The use of pearl shells dates back over a thousand years ago to the Ancestral Puebloan people who inhabited Canyon de Chelly near the Navajo Nation. These shells were incredibly valued for both their iridescent nacre and shape.

Navajo pearls as we know them emerged later on in history. As early Navajo people came into contact with other tribes through trade routes, they gained access to more exotic goods including seashells. Master jewelers carved and shaped these shells into round ivory beads which were then incorporated into jewelry.

Unique Symbolism and Customs Surrounding Pearls

These genuine carved pearls quickly took on special meaning. In Navajo culture, they represent purity, wisdom, and harmony. Pearls also indicate water and fertility, two essential elements for the Navajo people to sustain life and crops in their dry climate.

Specific customs govern how and when pearls should be worn. Traditional Navajo healers prescribe pearl necklaces made in particular styles to treat certain ailments. Pearls are also believed to shift in color to alert wearers of danger or conflict, giving them almost supernatural protective abilities.

Why Genuine Navajo Pearls are So Prized

Given how deeply ingrained pearls are in Navajo culture and customs, it's no wonder why they are so highly valued. But beyond their cultural significance, genuine Navajo pearls possess distinctive properties setting them apart even from other freshwater pearls.

Each Pearl Has a Unique Shape and Color

The traditional hand-carving process used to make Navajo pearls gives them slight variations in size, shape, and color. While round, these beads can have gentle ridges or indentations across their organic form. No two pearls ever turn out exactly alike.

The nacre lining of the seashell also shines through, producing one-of-a-kind hues. Depending on the shell, tints can range from white to bronze or silver colored. This diversity allows jewelers great freedom when selecting accent stones like turquoise to complement each pearl’s individual palette.

Unmatched Luster from Polishing and Protective Oils

Skilled Navajo artisans carefully hand-polish each pearl using precision techniques passed down through generations. This brings out the pearl’s inner glow to achieve a soft yet luminous quality.

Jewelers often rub pearls with bee pollen or vegetable oils as well. This further enhances their shine while moisturizing the organic beads to prevent drying or cracking over time.

The result are genuine Navajo pearls possessing unmatched luster. Their delicate sheen acts as the perfect backdrop to bold southwestern turquoise. Clustered together in necklaces, these two elements create showstopping contrasts.

Our Diverse Collection of Sterling Silver & Navajo Pearl Necklaces

Given how special each Navajo pearl is, choosing the right necklace to complement their splendor is important. We offer an extensive selection of styles, lengths, and beads sizes so you can find your perfect pearl jewelry.

A Rainbow of Genuine Stones to Accent Pearls

While turquoise remains our most popular accent bead, we incorporate a spectrum of other natural stones too. Blue lapis and coral beads make dramatic appearances alongside pearls. For softer contrasts, see rose quartz, onyx, jasper, spiny oyster, and variscite options.

No matter your color preference, we handpick each accent bead to interplay beautifully with the Navajo pearls’ shine and palette. Clustering similar hues creates elegant monochromatic statements. But bold color mixtures add exciting drama you won’t find elsewhere.

Choose Your Ideal Pearl Size & Cut

Our pearl necklaces include a variety of bead sizes and shapes to suit different personal styles. For a daintier modern look, check out options using small 2-4mm pearls. The tiny polished beads create delicate strands just begging to be layered together.

For bolder southwestern flair, larger pearls make eye-catching focal points. Barrel-cut rectangles or coin pearls offer something unique while 6-8mm orbs make substantial statements. And ourchunky clustered necklaces pile on layers of outsized pearls for attention-grabbing drama.

Long & Short Lengths to Mix, Match & Layer

The length of a necklace influences how it fits into your personal jewelry wardrobe too. Our shorter 16 to 18 inch Navajo pearl choices sit neatly above most necklines, perfect for wearing alone or stacking.

Meanwhile, longer 20 to 30 inch strands hit at various points across the chest and back for versatile styling. We love mixing different lengths in layered pearl necklace stacks. Chokers, bibs, and waist-length pieces create dimension and visual interest when worn together.

With so many genuine Navajo pearl and turquoise necklaces to choose from, you’re sure to find your special piece reflecting all these exceptional beads have meant for generations.

FAQs

What makes genuine Navajo pearls unique?

Navajo pearls are completely hand-carved and polished by skilled Native American jewelers, giving each pearl a one-of-a-kind size, shape and color. Their exclusive cut and finishing process also enhances the nacre's soft glow for unrivaled beauty and sheen when paired with turquoise.

How can you identify real Navajo pearls?

Authentic Navajo pearls have slight variations and asymmetries rather than being perfectly round. They also possess a signature luminous quality. Each pearl displays distinctive natural hues ranging from white to bronze to silvery blue. Real pearls feel smooth and moisturized to the touch thanks to protective oils.

What types of Navajo pearl necklaces do you sell?

We offer Navajo pearl necklaces showcasing a variety of accent gemstones like turquoise, coral, lapis and quartz. The pearls themselves come in different cut shapes and bead sizes too. Necklace lengths range from 16 to 30 inches. Whether you love delicate strands or chunky statement pieces, we have diverse pearl jewelry to suit any style.

How should I care for my Navajo pearl jewelry?

Take care not expose Navajo pearls to harsh chemicals, perfumes or abrasives. When not being worn, store them in a soft pouch away from other gemstones that could scratch their surface. Every so often, apply a small amount of mineral or jojoba oil to moisturize the pearls and enhance their luminous glow over time.