An invaluable step-by-step guide to traditional Native American jewelry. From exquisite squash blossom necklaces, buttons and bola ties to hair ornaments, pistol grips and silver goblets, traditional Indian silversmithing is one of the foremost crafts in America. In this Southwestern classic, Oscar T. Branson provides a wealth of knowledge on the tools, techniques, history, and styles of Indian jewelry--timeless art from yesterday that still influences today's metal craftwork. Wire-O binding. 120 color photos.

Traditional silversmithing methods are shown in full-color photos and illustrations with instructions for each project.

A dazzling exploration of both traditional and contemporary jewelry. Spectacular photographs of the beautiful jewelry and sensitive portraits of the artists combine with an insightful, informative text to capture the spirit of this work and of the cultures from which it springs. Includes a collector's guide and a directory of sources. 210 illustrations, 155 in full color.

Since time immemorial, India has lured those in quest of spices, gold and precious gems. Spanning 5,000 years of this glorious legacy, 'Indian Jewellery: the Golden Smile of India', takes an ethnographic approach to the subject, weaving factual information and sumptuous images with the fascinating stories of ancient travellers to India.

The triumphant result of more than 35 years of research, this sumptuous book is a comprehensive presentation of one of the greatest of the world's jewelry traditions. The stunning display of individual ornaments is supplemented by full documentation of hundreds of pieces. More than 5,000 years of the development of personal ornament are traced, as major themes, variations on basic forms, the use of gemstones, and cross-cultural influences are analysed and comprehensively illustrated. Alongside form and technique, the influences of myth and religion, social structure, economics and politics illuminate the context in which jewelry of exquisite beauty and great originality has been created.

With a fascinating variety of American Indian rings from the southwestern United States shown in more than 350 color photos, this book provides a design history of these rings, beginning with pre-contact artifacts and continuing through to contemporary artistic innovations. The text surveys key developments in Native American ring design; materials and methods of construction; definitions for historical and vintage rings; master innovators; and the transition from craft to wearable art since 1980. Shortly after the Civil War, Native American artisans began making silver rings set with turquoise, coral, jet, mother-of-pearl, and colored shell, adding lapis, malachite, onyx, and petrified wood over the decades. More recently, artisans began utilizing gold and such non-traditional settings as opals and diamonds, among others. Works by Navajo (also known as Din) and Pueblo artists are featured, although Apache, Northern Cheyenne, and Sonoran Desert Native jewelers are also included. A guide to valuation issues and resources is offered for collectors.

This collection of 146 stunning colorplates shows turquoise in the context in which it is worn and used today. Images depict Native American rituals, daily life, pow-wows, rodeas, portraits, and the landscape and ruins of the Southwest, as well as some of the finest pieces made in the last 50 years.