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Understanding the History and Cultural Significance of Native American Earrings

Native American tribes have been making earrings since long before Europeans arrived in North America. They would use bits of stone, shell, and bone to create pendants and beads. By the time European horses were introduced to North America, these earring designs had become so heavy they had to be removed while riding. 

As centuries passed and new materials and design techniques made their way into Native American culture, Native American earrings started to take on different forms. Earrings and other types of jewelry made from silver and turquoise became a status symbol and a sign of wealth. Today, they represent generations of artistry and resilient cultural identities that have withstood the test of time.

Explore Our Collection of Handmade Native American Earrings

Our handmade Native American earrings are expertly crafted by Indigenous artisans. They make the perfect gift (to yourself or a loved one) and come in a variety of styles. The main types of earrings we carry include:

Turquoise Earrings

Native American turquoise earrings are known for their breathtaking color and protective properties. They come in multiple shades of blue and green, ranging from teal to cerulean. Each pair represents a connection to the sky, water, and earth and is designed with sterling silver settings. 

Hoop Earrings

Native American hoop earrings can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Our hoop earrings feature a range of materials, including turquoise, sterling silver, and heishi beads. Some showcase intricate silverwork, while others boast innovative stone inlays. 

Mediterranean Coral Earrings

Red coral is a coveted material in Native American jewelry making. It represents life force and is used in stone settings and beads. Some artisans pair it with lapis or turquoise to create a striking contrast reminiscent of the conflicting forces present in nature.

Lapis Lazuli Earrings

Due to its deep, celestial blue, lapis lazuli is associated with truth, spiritual vision, and wisdom. Our collection of lapis lazuli earrings includes chandelier designs, multi-stone inlays, and single-stone drops. These pieces are ideal for those seeking adornment with a deeper meaning.

Multi-Stone Inlay Earrings

Our multi-stone inlay earrings are inspired by Native American craftsmanship. Each stone is cut and placed in a sterling silver setting to form a geometric design. Commonly used materials include turquoise, coral, jet, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, and spiny oyster.

Other Designs

Some of our other designs include tufa cast earrings, naja earrings, shell slab earrings, and Navajo pearl earrings. We pride ourselves on promoting both contemporary and traditional Native American jewelry pieces. Whether you’re looking for an understated set of earrings or a statement pair, our collection has something for everyone. 

Meet Some of Our Noteworthy Artists

Our platform would not be possible without the incredible work of our Indigenous artisans. Here are some of the talented individuals behind our unique collection:

Bernadette Wyaco

Bernadette Wyaco is a skilled Zuni silversmith known for her distinctive needlepoint earrings. Her pieces are perfect for formal occasions and can be paired with a variety of colors and fabrics. 

Calvin Martinez

Calvin Martinez was born in 1960 and learned silversmithing from his parents. He is a traditional revivalist, meaning that he uses classic techniques and silver ingots to create his pieces. His earrings often feature turquoise and deep stamp work.

Cathy Webster

Cathy Webster is a celebrated Navajo jewelry maker who prefers to stay out of the limelight when she can. She enjoys making teardrop earrings set with genuine gemstones. Her work is elegant and skillful, a testament to her proud Indigenous heritage.

Daniel Coriz

Hailing from the Santo Domingo pueblo, Daniel Coriz learned silversmithing from his mother and grandmother. His work has been featured in magazines and museums and is highly sought after. What sets Coriz apart is the range of techniques showcased in his creations. He enjoys beading, silversmithing, and inlay work. Materials commonly used in his pieces include turquoise, spiny oyster, and coral.

Gerard & Mary L. Calabaza

This husband-and-wife duo is known for their collaborative jewelry-making process, blending traditional Pueblo techniques with personal artistic expression. Gerard and Mary specialize in creating handmade heishi beads from natural stones and shells, showcasing the colors of the Southwest.

Jerryson Henio

Jerryson Henio is a Navajo silversmith whose work is characterized by strong shapes and vibrant turquoise. His pieces reflect Navajo tradition while incorporating contemporary design principles. 

Tips for Styling Native American Earrings

If you’re new to Native American earrings, you may be wondering how to incorporate them into your outfit. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Choose a flattering hairstyle: Wearing your hair down may result in the earrings being hidden by strands of hair. If you really want to show off your new purchase, putting your hair up will make your earrings stand out more.
  • Dress up or down: Some of our earrings, like our heishi hoop earrings, are quite versatile and can be worn with formal and casual attire. However, many of our turquoise earrings featuring hand-stamped silver are very ornate and better suited to special occasions. 
  • Wear complementary colors: When colors are complementary, it means they are located opposite each other on the color wheel. Wearing these colors together creates a striking contrast when done correctly. Try pairing yellow with purple, blue with orange, and red with green for an eye-catching look. 

Why Choose SilverTQ?

SilverTQ has been selling handmade Native American earrings since 1978. Each piece is crafted using traditional methods and authentic gemstones to ensure one-of-a-kind designs. All of our artists receive proper compensation and recognition for their work. When you purchase jewelry from our shop, you are supporting both the art form and the people behind it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we offer international shipping for our entire collection of Native American earrings. We ship through USPS with insurance and tracking on every shipment. 

How can I tell if my earrings are authentic?

We will provide you with assurance of the credited artist's name, the tribe to which they belong, and a description of the materials used. 

Can I commission a custom design?

Unfortunately, we do not offer custom designs. However, each piece we sell is one-of-a-kind.

Explore our other Native American jewelry and accessory categories below.