How do native Americans make jewelry?

Answer 1

Depending on where you live, Natives in your country may have used different things to make jewelry. In North America, Native Americans originally used natural things like dulled porcupine quills, stones, and other natural substances found in the forest. When the first French explorer, Jacques Cartier, arrived in eastern Canada in the early 1500's, he traded with the Mi'kmaq and the Haudenousaunee for furs and other natural things found in North America. In exchange, Cartier gave the tribes glass and clay beads which they used to further decorate their jewelry with.

I hope that this answer helped you! You may also want to look at different textbooks or Wikipedia articles for more information. :)

Answer 2

Depending on the vintage, both tribal and pueblo silversmiths of the United States have used nickle silver and sterling silver as well as brass and copper. Some pieces both new and vintage have 12k gold incorporated into the jewelry as well. I have been informed that they mixed the gold with either copper or brass. The gemstones that have been used by Native American silversmiths past and present are turquoise, coral, onyx, jet, sodilite, mother of pearl, malachite, shell, buffalo stone and chariot to name a few. Some other materials are ironwood and also bone and claws from various animals. Very early pieces before the ban, were turtle shell as well.

Answer 3

depends on which native American group you are asking about. many tribes/nations had different styles/types of jewelery as well as different techniques & materials with which to make it.