The Story Of Navajo Pearls

The beautiful style of jewelry called Desert or Navajo Pearls are sterling silver beads traditionally made by Navajo (Diné) silversmiths. These handmade beads are commonly seen on Squash Blossom necklaces, but are also worn alone on single or multi-strand necklaces and in bracelets.

The Navajo is the largest Native American tribe which spans across New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Dating back to the 1500’s or earlier, the Navajo were creating beads from the natural materials available to them, including wood, stone, animal bones or teeth, and shells.

Through time, new materials such as silver and copper were introduced by the Europeans, and Navajo artists began to include these materials in their creations. The Navajo commonly used beads to tell stories and pass them down from generation to generation. 

Traditionally, Navajo Pearls are individually made by hand, making each bead one of a kind. Today, when not made by Navajo artisans, these style beads are referred to as Desert Pearls. Artists express their own style through unique stamping and finishing on these beautiful and timeless creations.