The History of Native American Jewelry

In this episode of Hidden Gems, Natalie researches the rich history of Native American jewelry.
Nothing like bones, stones and shells to make an elaborate warrior suit, but that's not the only thing it was used for. Intrigued? Follow Natalie through time as she explores Native American jewelry from ancient times right in to modern day!

#JTV is one of the leading experts on gemstones and is the best source on YouTube for all things gem related. Featuring gem history, the science behind the stones, gemstones in pop culture, and much more, you too can become a gem expert by immersing yourself in JTV’s channel. Natalie, our host, is a Graduate Gemologist and an Applied Jewelry Professional.

#JTV #JTVGems

[pressleynaylor]

I admire the amount of research put into the video and the accuracy. What trubles me is that instead of staying focused on indigenous people the focus shifts to industry. Native people have a history since time immemorial therefore it is not difficult to make a five minute video about this culture. Once again not trying to spread hate I just want to encourage learning on topics seldom discussed many times.

[athenassigil]

I own a few south western native silver and turquoise pieces. One is a ring, the other is a cuff with 5 set turquoise and I absolutely love them. I have a few other pieces, but they're not native made. It's almost like an addiction, once you get one, you need another...and the craftsmanship is number one, same with ornate quality..simply stunning.

[karengarcia]

I always love to know native American cultures.🥰🏞I also love there jewelry, so beautiful.📿🐚The turquoise gemstone is very pretty too.💎

[imari]

I love all the shades and different variations of turquoise especially when paired with sterling silver. Just beautiful.

[Nevvkay]

I love the distinctive style and vibrant colours of the Native American jewellery

[buttercuphuerta]

I'm Native American and me and my family are jewelry makers and my family has been working with jewelry for some time now my family also has what is left of my sacred jewelry

PS. I will also share with whom ever is reading this the 1genaration of my family starts with my mom and aunt my mother is a drug addict and we tried everything to help her but nothing will work it is a sad truth that I live with everyday but it is ok I have never once thought my mother as my mom because she abandoned me and my sister at early ages and I was raised by my grandparents and I love them for that.

Pps. how we lost some of my family jewelry my so called mother stole it out of my grandparents room and sold it for drugs. we tried everything to get them back but some we lost for good which is kinda sad but we still have the most important family jewelry with us and my grandparents said it is ok just leave it we can make more if we have to

[munkeefinkelbeen]

Great video, and so close to home (I live in the Four Corners area, on the reservation). Thank you for the upload :)

[terrywade]

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is by far the best! It has a quality of color that when placed next to the skin, it almost glows! Other turquoise looks dull in comparison. You can spot Sleeping Beauty from across the room! It seems to come alive next to skin! Since the mine stopped production, it’s price has soared & every gem hunter is scrambling to find a replacement source that can compare, to no avail! It is almost matrix free, making it one of the cleanest turquoise on the planet. It’s color is equally blue & green in saturation which makes it such a true turquoise color & probably why it has such an electric glow! Truly, my favorite!

[jcbbe]

I recently received a bunch of jewelry accessories , I would love to find a buyer. Enjoyed your documentary.

[ykxx]

Interesting video, in the Caribbean we Arawaks/Lukkunokairi used Wanin(Guanin) made of gold, silver and copper together, also shells, sea snails, seeds, etc...

[ProspectingMonkey]

Seriously cool squash Necklas, and I love to learn culture. Thank you Natalie ❣️ 🙌🙏 you are truely one my inspirations!!💜 Smashed & shared & commented

[philemon]

I have alot of this jewelry, just acquired in a estate sale, trying to learn about it. Thanks

[DVB]

They do make beautiful piece's I love the Apache T necklace

[xxblackrosexx]

I love all turquoise and don't yet have a preference, but I will say that I LOVE the background on Native American Jewelry and would love to learn more. I love when there's story and background to pieces and a deep, rich history.

[geminiyte]

Sooo, the Wampum beads mentioned in the beginning are the gems used by Northeast/Eastern woodland nations Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Unkechug for example.

[kreole]

Turquoise is literally my favourite gem ever

[monikamir]

Very nice video. I have borrowed very interesting books from the public library about Native American Culture and Southwest Indian Art and Culture. I have also bought some authentic jewelry pieces in Here in Florida (my primary home), and in Colorado, that is my second home since 5 years ago. I am from Lima - Perú, and I love Native American Culture. I love America 🇺🇸!!

[kylewood]

I like all types of turquoise as long as it’s “the real deal”!
Nice informative video

[FishesAndLoaves]

I like the dark vein colors that’s in Turquoise

[josianedemena]

I love all turquoise but I prefer the one with matrix like the one I am wearing...shades of blues and green with brown matrix Cooper and black matrix iron...I like the squas blossom style necklaces...