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In the past, Native American products such as Native American wedding bands were all handmade by specialized craftsmen that had learned the trade as a family business. For example, Native American clothing was made by tailors, shoes by a cobbler, and pots made by a potter. These trades were handed down generation to generation. With most Native American wedding bands for men and women, you will find that this traditional process has stayed the same.
Most Native American wedding bands incorporates onyx, malachite, and most importantly: turquoise. Turquoise or dootlizhii (meaning blue or green), symbolized prosperity and wealth and was often through to protect the wearer. Pale blue turquoise will turn dark green over time, but turquoise that starts out green will usually remain the same color. Popular patterns and themes vary from tribe to tribe and may include tribal rug patterns or animals that are indigenous to the region.
How can I be sure my Native American wedding bands are authentic?
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 prohibits any seller to falsely advertise that their products are authentic Native American merchandise. Anyone who falsely suggests that their merchandise is Native American is subject to pay hefty fines and even jail time. You can verify that a retailer is authentic by contacting the Arts and Crafts Act link above.
Southwestern Native American Wedding Bands:
- Navajo - Navajo craftsmen often use a stampwork technique. This technique requires great skill, otherwise the impression may be too deep. Navajo silversmiths use a lot of turquoise and silver in their work and incorporate tribal rug designs.
- Hopi - Hopi are known for the overlay technique through cutting a design in a sheet of silver and soldering it to another sheet. This process can be very time consuming and involves carefully sawing out the design, then oxidizing the background back.
- Zuni - A popular method of the Zuni is to create many grooves into the wedding band which are then filled with tiny stones such as turquoise.
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