Native American Wedding Rings: Materials And Meanings

what materials did native americans make wedding rings from

Native American wedding rings are growing in popularity as symbols of love, faith, and honour. Historically, Native Americans did not typically use wedding rings in their marriage ceremonies, but today, they are usually made with silver and decorated with engraved designs, such as sacred animals, feathers, trees, or other symbols that are a significant part of their culture.

Characteristics Values
Metal Sterling silver, gold, platinum, stainless steel, copper
Gemstones Turquoise, coral, opal, onyx, jade, diamonds
Stone colour Blue, red, white, green
Stone shape Cabochon gems (polished gemstones designed to look natural and handmade)
Design Engravings of sacred animals, feathers, trees, sun, fruits, human or earth forms of famous spirits, tribal rug designs

shunbridal

Turquoise, opal, onyx, jade, coral and other cabochon gems

Turquoise, a semi-precious stone, is the most common type of stone used in Native American jewellery, including wedding rings. It is commonly found in the Southwest of the United States and South America. Native Americans associate turquoise with protection, power, and friendship. It is also said to symbolise success and wealth and is believed to protect the wearer.

Onyx is another popular stone used in Native American wedding rings. It is said to stabilise and heal the root chakra, increase grounding and productiveness, and ward off witches and evil spells.

Native American wedding rings also feature other cabochon gems, including opal, jade, and coral. These polished gemstones are designed to look more natural and handmade. They are cut into a specific shape and then polished to give a smooth texture. The use of these gems in Native American jewellery dates back centuries and they hold special meanings based on their colours.

The Navajo Tribe was predominantly the group that taught other tribes about jewellery making, including wedding rings. They acquired this knowledge from the Spaniards in the 16th century.

shunbridal

Silver, gold, platinum, copper, stainless steel, wood

Native American wedding rings are often crafted from sterling silver, a durable and beautiful metal that evokes natural works of art and quality craftsmanship. This metal is also relatively affordable compared to other precious metals. For an even more affordable option, stainless steel rings offer a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.

An increasing number of Native American wedding rings are also being made with 14-carat gold, or a combination of sterling silver and gold.

Native American wedding rings often feature the classic turquoise stone, which lends an authentic quality to the jewellery. Turquoise represents the enduring power of the sky and water, making it a perfect symbol of eternity and lasting devotion. Other popular stones include coral, opal, and onyx, with opal being a common choice for men's rings due to its masculine appeal.

Copper is another metal used in Native American wedding rings, with some opting for copper and sterling silver bands. Copper bands can also be paired with stones such as turquoise for a unique and eye-catching design.

For those seeking an even more non-traditional option, wooden wedding rings are also available, offering a natural and rustic aesthetic.

shunbridal

Sacred animal engravings

Native American wedding rings are often engraved with sacred animals, symbols, and natural elements. The most common animal carvings include bears, wolves, rabbits, and deer, with bear claws and wolf paws also serving as symbols of protection and tribal connection. These engravings symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual significance of specific animals in Native American tribes.

The engravings on these wedding rings are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hold profound meanings. For example, bears represent spiritual power, physical strength, and courage. Wolves, on the other hand, symbolise communication, loyalty, fierceness, and compassion. These animal engravings are a way to honour the sacred creatures that play a vital role in the beliefs and traditions of Native American tribes.

In addition to animal engravings, Native American wedding rings may also feature other cultural symbols. These can include human or earth forms of famous spirits, the sun, fruits, trees, and other natural elements. The use of these symbols showcases the unique artistic style and cultural heritage of the tribes. Each engraving tells a story and embodies the beliefs, values, and traditions of Native American culture.

The choice of metal and stones in Native American wedding rings is also significant. Silver, gold, and platinum are commonly used, with silver being the most associated with Native American jewellery. Turquoise, a semi-precious stone, is abundantly used due to its cultural significance and the belief that it offers protection and power. Other popular stones include onyx, opal, jade, coral, and other natural gemstones, each carrying their own symbolic meanings.

Native American wedding rings, with their intricate engravings of sacred animals and symbols, serve as a beautiful expression of love, faith, and honour. These rings go beyond mere adornment, embodying the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the tribes, making them a cherished part of both traditional and non-traditional wedding ceremonies.

shunbridal

Tribal rug designs

Traditional Native American wedding rings are often made from silver, gold, or other metals, and feature cabochon gems, which are polished gemstones designed to look more natural and handmade. The Navajo Tribe was the first to teach other tribes about jewellery-making, and they acquired this knowledge from the Spaniards in the 16th century. The most common type of stone used in their designs is turquoise, a semi-precious gem that has been used for over a thousand years. Turquoise is commonly found in the Southwest of the United States and in South America.

Native American rings often feature geometrical patterns and carvings of animals, feathers, trees, or other symbols that are significant in their culture. The most common animal carvings include bears, wolves, rabbits, and deer. Bear claws and wolf paws are also commonly used to symbolise a connection to the tribe and the protection it offers. Other common symbols include feathers, arrows, and the sun.

Now, for some information on tribal rug designs. Tribal rugs are known for their vibrant colours and intricate patterns. They were originally hand-knotted by nomadic or tribal women to serve a practical purpose—to provide warmth. Over time, they evolved into beautiful, meticulously crafted pieces that complement personal and professional spaces.

Tribal rugs often feature tribal symbols and patterns influenced by historical periods. Some common patterns include geometric designs, tribal Berber designs, and traditional Oriental motifs. Tribal rugs are usually made from wool, jute, or a combination of both materials. They come in a variety of colours, including red, orange, brown, black, white, and cream.

shunbridal

Symbolism and meaning

The use of wedding rings in Native American tribes carries a unique history and significance. While the exchange of rings symbolises the promise of love and marriage, the materials and designs of these rings are chosen for their cultural importance and the beliefs associated with them.

Native American wedding rings are often made from silver, gold, or other metals, and bejewelled with cabochon gems, which are polished gemstones designed to look more natural and handmade. The metals and stones are selected for their durability, beauty, and cultural significance. Silver, for instance, is seen as a sacred metal in Native American culture, believed to possess magical properties and to symbolise strength, purity, and wisdom. Gold, on the other hand, represents wealth, success, and abundance.

The cabochon gems used in the rings, such as turquoise, opal, onyx, jade, and coral, also carry symbolic meanings based on their colours. Turquoise, for example, is believed to represent protection, power, and friendship, while onyx symbolises strength and self-control. The use of these stones in Native American wedding rings is thought to bring good fortune, luck, and happiness to the couple.

The designs engraved on the rings are also significant. Native American wedding rings often feature carvings, etchings, or engravings of sacred animals, such as bears, wolves, rabbits, and deer, or other cultural symbols like the sun, trees, and fruits. These designs may vary in meaning depending on the tribe and their specific cultural beliefs. For example, the bear symbol typically represents spiritual power and physical strength, while the feather symbol signifies wisdom, trust, honour, freedom, and strength.

The use of specific materials, gemstones, and designs in Native American wedding rings showcases the couple's connection to their cultural heritage and their commitment to one another and their ancestors. These rings serve as powerful symbols of love, faith, honour, and unity, with unique meanings that are deeply rooted in Native American culture and traditions.

Frequently asked questions

Native Americans used a variety of materials to make wedding rings, including silver, gold, platinum, copper, sterling, stainless steel, and wood.

Native American wedding rings often feature stones such as turquoise, coral, opal, onyx, jade, and cabochon gems.

Turquoise is a popular stone in Native American culture, believed to have become SkyStone when the tears of joy of Native Americans mixed with raindrops and soaked into the Earth. It is also said to symbolise protection, power, and friendship.

Native American wedding rings often feature engravings of sacred animals, famous spirits, the sun, trees, and natural fruits of the land.

Sterling silver is the metal most associated with Native American jewellery. It is durable, beautiful, and often less expensive than gold.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment