Authentic Navajo Wedding Bands: Recognizing The Real Deal

how to recognize navajo wedding bands

Navajo wedding bands are often handcrafted by Native American artisans, featuring a variety of materials and designs that symbolise love, faith, and honour. These rings are suitable for both traditional and non-traditional wedding ceremonies, with some couples opting for a more creative and unique approach to their choice of wedding bands. Navajo wedding bands typically incorporate turquoise, a stone that signifies healing, spirit, and good fortune, along with other gemstones like coral, lapis, opal, and spiny oyster shell. These rings are often made from sterling silver, sometimes combined with gold, and crafted by skilled Navajo artisans who continue the ancient tradition of transforming natural materials into exquisite jewellery.

Characteristics Values
Materials Turquoise, coral, opal, lapis, gold, silver, jade, jet, oyster shell, onyx, diamond, copper, titanium, tungsten, antler, wood
Design Stamped, hammered, stacking, chevron, mosaic, braided, beaded, channel inlay, multi-stone, single stone, double feather, double band, full wrap, overlay, raised inlay
Style Southwestern, vintage, rustic, antique, contemporary, geometric, boho, Native American
Sizes Various sizes available
Price $22.50 - $560.00

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When shopping for a Navajo wedding band with turquoise stones, it is important to consider the quality and design of the jewelry. The skilled artisans at Alltribes, for example, create captivating works of art that surpass expectations. The design and quality of their silver and turquoise jewelry are unmatched, with masterful techniques used to incorporate the semi-precious stone into intricate designs.

When purchasing a Navajo wedding band with turquoise stones, it is also essential to ensure that the ring has been crafted by an authentic artist. This will ensure that your ring stands apart from mass-produced jewelry and can be treasured for a lifetime.

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Navajo wedding bands are often made from sterling silver and can feature a variety of stones, including turquoise, opal, coral, and lapis lazuli. The stones are usually inlaid in a zig-zag or channel pattern, and the bands may have decorative stamps or braids. Navajo wedding bands can be purchased from Etsy and Eagle Rock Trading Post.

Navajo Signed T, Webbed Turquoise, Opal and Charoite Inlay Band Stacking Ring

This ring features a unique combination of turquoise, opal, and charoite stones in a stacking band style. It is a Native American wedding band made from sterling silver and is signed by the artist.

Item #935H - Women's Navajo 4ct Opal Inlay Sterling Silver Ring Band

This ring is a part of the Native American Indian Jewelry collection and features a 4-carat opal stone inlaid in sterling silver. It is a women's ring available in sizes 7 1/2 and 7 3/4.

Zuni Lab Opal Zig Zag Inlay Ring Bands

These Zuni rings feature lab-created opals inlaid in a zig-zag pattern in sterling silver. They are available in multiple sizes.

Native America Indian Jewelry Sterling Silver Turquoise Opal Navajo Wedding Engagement Ring

This ring combines sterling silver, turquoise, and opal in a handcrafted Southwestern design. It is a unique wedding or engagement ring with a 15% discount on the original price of $300.

Handmade Native American Navajo Inlay Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, White Fire Opal, Coral & Jet Mens Band Ring

This handmade men's ring features a stunning combination of sleeping beauty turquoise, white fire opal, coral, and jet inlaid in sterling silver. It is a unique band ring stamped by the artist, Rick.T.

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Recognising Navajo Wedding Bands with Crushed Turquoise:

  • Look for the distinctive crushed turquoise inlay: This is a unique feature of Navajo jewellery and can be recognised by its irregular shape and texture. The turquoise may be set in a variety of materials, including sterling silver, tungsten, or titanium.
  • Check for Native American hallmarks: Authentic Navajo jewellery will often be stamped with the artist's hallmark, which typically includes their initials and may also indicate the tribe they belong to. These hallmarks can be subtle, so look carefully!
  • Design motifs: Navajo jewellery often features traditional designs and motifs inspired by nature, such as feathers, beaded patterns, and geometric shapes. These designs may be stamped, inlaid, or engraved onto the band.
  • Colour: Turquoise is known for its distinctive colour, which ranges from a bright sky blue to a greenish-blue and can vary in intensity. The presence of crushed turquoise will be a defining feature.
  • Authenticity: When purchasing from a reputable source, look for information about the artist, their tribal affiliation, and any certifications of authenticity. This information can help ensure that you are buying a genuine Navajo piece.

Examples of Navajo Wedding Bands with Crushed Turquoise:

  • Vintage Navajo Crushed Turquoise Comfort Fit Band: This ring features a crushed turquoise inlay in a sterling silver setting. It is a size 7 and is described as a comfortable fit.
  • The Royal Elk Wedding Ring Band: Crafted from black polished tungsten, this band features a unique combination of deer antler and crushed turquoise, offering a contemporary take on traditional Navajo jewellery.
  • Navajo Mosaic Chevron Ring: This vintage wedding band features a crushed turquoise and coral inlay in a sterling silver setting. It is a size 7 and is described as a Native American Indian jewellery piece.
  • Navajo Turquoise and 24k Gold Tungsten Ring: This modern take on the traditional Navajo style features a crushed turquoise inlay with a 24k gold finish, offering a unique and eye-catching statement ring.

When choosing a Navajo wedding band with crushed turquoise, consider the overall style, the type of metal used, and any additional design elements that resonate with you. These rings offer a beautiful way to honour Native American traditions and incorporate turquoise, a stone that has long been valued by various cultures for its beauty and symbolism.

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  • Materials and Design: Navajo wedding bands with coral typically feature sterling silver as the primary metal. The coral stone is often combined with other gemstones like turquoise, lapis lazuli, or malachite in a mosaic or inlay design. The coral may be in its natural form or crushed and set in a resin.
  • Craftsmanship: Authentic Navajo wedding bands are handcrafted by skilled Native American artisans. Look for intricate details, such as stamped designs, braided patterns, or raised inlay work. The craftsmanship reflects the artist's cultural heritage and connection to nature.
  • Symbolism: Coral is a significant stone in Native American jewellery, symbolizing protection, strength, and vitality. In Navajo culture, the combination of coral and turquoise is believed to bring harmony and balance. The stones' vibrant colours also add a striking aesthetic to the rings.
  • Variations: Navajo wedding bands with coral come in various styles, including stacking rings, wide bands, and thin bands. They may feature additional design elements like feathers, braids, or animal motifs. Some rings are designed with a comfort fit, ensuring they are comfortable for everyday wear.
  • Sourcing and Authenticity: When purchasing Navajo wedding bands with coral, it's essential to buy from reputable sources that work directly with Native American artists or jewellery makers. Look for signatures, hallmarks, or certifications that indicate the authenticity of the piece.
  • Care and Maintenance: As with any fine jewellery, Navajo wedding bands with coral require proper care. Gently clean the rings with a soft cloth and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Store them in a safe place when not in use to prevent scratches or damage.
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Navajo wedding bands are often made of sterling silver and feature turquoise stones, but gold bands are also available. When shopping for Navajo wedding bands, it's important to look for specific characteristics to ensure their authenticity. Here are some tips to help you recognize and choose Navajo wedding bands with gold:

  • Look for gold bands with turquoise inlay: Navajo jewelry often features turquoise, which is considered a sacred stone by the Navajo people. Look for wedding bands that combine gold, such as 14K or 12K gold, with turquoise inlay. This combination of gold and turquoise is a distinctive feature of Navajo jewelry.
  • Check for stamped or engraved designs: Many Navajo jewelry artists sign their work by stamping or engraving their initials, names, or hallmarks on the inside or outside of the band. Look for these markings to ensure the authenticity of the gold wedding band.
  • Explore online marketplaces: Websites like Etsy offer a wide variety of Navajo wedding bands, including those with gold. Read the descriptions and reviews of each product to learn more about the materials used, the artist, and the authenticity of the piece.
  • Verify the seller's reputation: When purchasing Navajo wedding bands with gold, it's important to buy from reputable sellers who specialize in Native American jewelry. Look for sellers who provide detailed information about the artists, the materials used, and the cultural significance of the jewelry.
  • Examine the craftsmanship: Navajo jewelry is known for its intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Look for precise stone settings, smooth finishes, and well-executed engravings or stamp work.
  • Compare prices: Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate inauthentic pieces. Compare prices across different sellers to get a sense of the average cost for Navajo wedding bands with gold.
  • Ask for certification: Reputable sellers should be able to provide a certificate of authenticity for their Navajo wedding bands with gold. This certificate should include information about the artist, the materials used, and any cultural or traditional significance.

By following these tips, you can recognize and choose Navajo wedding bands with gold confidently. Remember to support Native American artists and purchase from authorized sellers to ensure the authenticity and quality of your jewelry.

Frequently asked questions

Navajo wedding bands are often made of sterling silver and feature turquoise, coral, jet, or opal stones. They may also be inlaid with gold.

Turquoise, coral, jet, and opal are all commonly used in Navajo wedding bands.

The various blue shades of turquoise represent the enduring power of the sky and all the water on Earth. Opals symbolize radiance and shine.

Navajo wedding bands can be purchased from several online retailers, including Etsy, Four Corners USA Online, Eagle Rock Trading Post, and Silvertribe.

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