Do You Wear 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. 

Squash Blossom 

 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. 

Bear Hunters wearing silver 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. 

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. 

 

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.  

      The two new residents are in the town of Sierra Creek. They are at a crossroads. Each has a reason for their goals and searches for answers to direct them toward their separate futures.

Lauren Walsh doesn’t like small towns but is in town to work with a renowned silversmith then leave ASAP and return to the city where she belongs.

Chance Williams is the new fire chief. Recovering from an injury sustained in a disastrous fire, should he remain on the job in the small town or return to his Bay Area home?

A jewelry designer and a firefighter have little in common. Still, forced to live in close quarters, will sparks fly?

The engaging characters in the other Sierra Creek books return. See how Amy, Vanna, Sophie, and their partners are doing. Also, a mystery is an added ingredient in book 4.

 Buy  My Country Heart Sierra Creek Series Sierra Creek Series book 4 

https://www.amazon.com/Country-Heart-Sierra-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B0BJ5L1K2V 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Country-Heart-Sierra-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B0BJ5L1K2V

https://www.amazon.com.au/Country-Heart-Sierra-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B0BJ5L1K2V

https://www.amazon.ca/Country-Heart-Sierra-Creek-Book-ebook/dp/B0BJ5L1K2V/