Do You Like Jewelry? by Reggi Allder

 Years ago, when I was at University, I had a roommate who loved to make her own beaded jewelry. She also introduced me to silver work. We went to auctions of Native American turquoise, coral and silver pieces. I discovered rings, earrings, and necklaces made in the Southwest. I especially liked the Squash Blossom necklaces. But being a student on a budget, I wasn't able to buy one. Still, I admired them. 

Silver Squash Blossom with Turquoise 

 

 

 

In the Southwestern United States in 1853, Lieutenant Henry Dodge established a Navajo agency at Washington Pass, bringing with him a blacksmith and a Mexican silversmith. 

In the early 1800s, limited blacksmithing was practiced among the Navajo and Pueblo people. By the 1850s and 1860s, some of these early blacksmiths were turning their attention to silver work too.  The silver work was noted, encouraged, and promoted by local traders. In the following decades the Southwest Native arts flourish and gain recognition as an international art form. 

Bear Hunters wearing Squash Blossoms 

 

 

 

 

Photograph courtesy of the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. avajo, gelatin silver print, c. 1890. Courtesy of the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives. 

Turquoise Rock

 

The Southwestern United States is a significant source of turquoise and plays an important role in the history of turquoise. Archeologists believe ancient native American tribes began mining turquoise stones at what is now known as the mineral Park Mine thousands of years ago.

Tribes such as the Aztecs believed the stone was sacred and made intricate masks and other adornment for ceremonies and important rituals.

Today, turquoise and silver jewelry necklaces and brackets, etc. are available in many stores and online. Some pieces are still fashioned in the Southwest, but much of it is sent from China. If you are lucky enough to find a vintage Navajo piece, Id' grab it. 

Other examples of Turquoise:

 In my fourth Sierra Creek Book, My Country Heart,  a jewelry designer arrives in the small town to learn from a renowned silversmith with unexpected results. 

Excerpt: My Country Heart Sierra Creek Series Book 4

Exhausted after her long drive and now hot, frustrated, and embarrassed, Lauren set her luggage on the floor in the cottage living room, slumped into the leather chair, and leaned forward with her head in her hands.

She didn’t want to be here. Nothing looked familiar. Out of her element, she couldn’t seem to do anything right and sure didn’t feel welcome. Well, what had she expected?

No matter because in Sierra Creek she found employment and the ability to learn from one of the best silversmiths in the United States.

Her dream of starting her own jewelry company and selling to the high-end retail trade was about to be one step closer. If only she didn’t feel so alone.

She dragged the largest case into the bedroom, threw it open, and rummaged in it to find her baby-doll nightgown. She needed sleep. Tomorrow everything will look better—won’t it?

***

Chance trudged up the stairs to the attic above the barn. He opened the door and coughed from the dust in the stifling room. With the ceiling fan on, he threw open the window to let clean air filter into the area.

Today had been filled with unexpected experiences. The most surprising was his odd meeting with the woman in the cottage, not to mention the accident with a load of hens.

He shrugged yanked the bedding out of his backpack and tossed it onto the bed’s bare mattress. Then he stood at the window and scanned the area. All was quiet in the cottage. How was the woman settling in?

It didn’t matter.

He grunted and faced the room. It was rustic at best. Nonetheless, with the opening of the lumber mill and the sudden influx of new people searching for rentals, no other option was available to him. He wouldn’t ask a city gal to live in the unfinished attic.

He’d recently settled in the cottage and was beginning to think of it as home when Lauren needed somewhere to live. So, he’d volunteered to relocate to the attic.

Dressed in pink, including high heels, she was like cotton candy. He smiled, imagining the sweetness of a kiss she might deliver. Still, she displayed a temper. He’d held back a chuckle when she poked a dainty finger at him and called him Mr. Chance.

He rubbed his chin and pictured her, a beauty, he wouldn’t deny it. Today, after a chicken landed on her head, he’d done his best not to laugh. Damn, she was sexy even with feathers in her hair.

Despite that, she wouldn’t be in Sierra Creek for long. He knew the type. A few hot nights and dirty, dusty days, and she would beat a path back to LA, where she could have a spa day and get her nails done.

My Country Heart Sierra Creek Series book 4 

My Amazon 

If you like a mystery try Dangerous Web  Book 1 of 4 in the Dangerous Series by Reggi Allder