Glossary Overview
Understanding Navajo artwork requires familiarity with specific terminology. LomaSiiva’s experts curate this guide to aid collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts. Explore the Navajo Jewelry collection and the Authentic Native American Pendants category for real‑world examples.
A: Agate
A banded chalcedony often set in Navajo silver pieces. While not traditionally Navajo, contemporary artists may incorporate agate for its color contrast.
B: Bolo Tie
A classic Western accessory featuring a cord, metal clasp, and decorative slide. Authentic Navajo bolo ties are hand‑crafted, typically using sterling silver slides. See the Bolo Ties category for examples.
C: Concho
Flat, decorative silver discs that punctuate belts, bags, and jewelry. Traditional Navajo conchos display stamped motifs and are often hallmarked. Browse the Concho collection.
E: Earrings
Hand‑crafted ear ornaments ranging from simple hoops to elaborate dangle designs. Genuine Navajo earrings are fashioned from .925 sterling silver and may incorporate natural turquoise or coral. View options in the Earrings category.
F: Fineness
The purity of silver expressed in parts per thousand. Navajo silversmiths traditionally work with .925 (92.5%) sterling silver, stamped with a .925 hallmark.
H: Hallmark
An authentic hallmark combines the artist’s signature with a .925 stamp, indicating genuine Navajo silversmithing. Hallmarks are a primary clue in authentication, alongside provenance and documented artist lineage. For more verification tips, consult our FAQ — LomaSiiva.
K: Kachina
Although primarily Hopi, some Navajo artists create Kachina-inspired pieces. These works should be clearly identified as cross‑tribal collaborations.
M: Moko
A traditional Navajo motif resembling a stylized knot or interlocking pattern, often stamped or engraved on silver surfaces.
N: Navajo Silversmith
An artist of Diné heritage who designs and fabricates jewelry using hand‑raised or cast silver, adhering to tribal techniques and cultural protocols.
S: Squash Blossom
A signature Navajo motif resembling a stylized flower, frequently set with turquoise. See the Handmade Navajo .925 Sterling Silver Turquoise Squash Blossom Native American Necklace and Earrings Set 15740-17659 for a prime example.
T: Turquoise
Natural or stabilized blue-green stone prized in Navajo jewelry. Authentic pieces disclose stone origin when known. A popular item is the Navajo Natural Turquoise Adjustable Wrap Bracelet 371183569147.
W: Wrap Bracelet
A flexible, adjustable bracelet style often featuring multiple strands of turquoise, coral, or other stones set in silver. Frequently found in the Bracelets category.