Edison Smith
Traditional Navajo Silver Turquoise Jewelry
Vintage Jewelry

Most people do not realize that Silver Jewelry is relatively new to the Southwestern United States.
 There was no silver jewelry made here in Arizona or New Mexico by Native American
 Indian people before the 1850's.

The Navajo first learned how to work metal from Mexican silversmiths (who presumably learned
from the Spanish). Shortly thereafter, the Navajo taught the Zuni. The Zuni however, added
a new element to their jewelry, Turquoise.

The Zuni were long recognized as accomplished stone carvers. They had been
making small stone animal carvings for centuries as part of their religion. 

For the Zuni, working turquoise into their silver jewelry came naturally.

Turquoise was always expensive but the idea was well received and buyers accepted the
added cost and the idea flourished. Soon turquoise became a common design
element for both Navajo and Zuni silver jewelry.

Gold Southwest jewelry did not happen until the later 1900's.

The above photographs of 1900's Navajo Silver Jewelry is from
 the (out of print) book Skystone and Silver, Rosnek Stacey

The silver and turquoise jewelry of Edison Smith is like going back in time 100 years.
 Back then silversmiths... Navajo, Zuni and others, would make their own steel
dies (usually from railroad spikes they found). The  steel dies would
 be used to hammer designs into their jewelry.

Silver used for jewelry usually came from American or Mexican silver
coins and ingots of that period.

Edison Smith lives on a very remote part of the Navajo Reservation. There is no
 electricity or modern conveniences. He lives a very traditional life. His jewelry is not a
replica of the period, it is quite authentic... It simply is recently made.

Edison Smith learned to make silver jewelry this way, these are his steel dies, he cuts
 his own turquoise and he sees no reason to change anything.
 
That is our good fortune. If these pieces were made a 100 years ago they would cost
 thousands of dollars more (assuming we could find one).

Do not expect a large inventory of Edison Smith jewelry.

Edison Smith Traditional Navajo Silver Bracelet

Large Complex Design

Very Deep Repousse, Flawless stamping, Vintage Satin Finish,
Marvelous Old Patina

Frankly, the only difference I can see between this and a
 vintage piece that you would find in the Smithsonian or the Heard is
 that it was made from modern sheet silver rather then from hand
hammered silver coins or ingots of the 1800's.

1 3/8" wide

For a 6 1/2" to a 6 3/4" wrist
slightly adjustable

$1495

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Edison Smith Traditional Navajo Silver Bracelet

Large Complex Design

Very Deep Repousse, Flawless stamping, Vintage Satin Finish,
Marvelous Old Patina

Frankly, the only difference I can see between this and a
 vintage piece that you would find in the Smithsonian or the Heard is
 that it was made from modern sheet silver rather then from hand
hammered silver coins or ingots of the 1800's.

1 3/8" wide

For a 6" wrist
slightly adjustable

$1495

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