Long before the Europeans set foot on American soil, Native Americans were accomplished jewelers. Unlike the other artistic disciplines, jewelry styles did not vary all that significantly among the tribes. This was in large part due to the fact that the varied and sundry tribes were, generally speaking, limited to the same base materials and tools.

Of the more popular materials chosen by the native craftsmen for jewelry construction were as follows: turquoise, amber, copper, and—perhaps most prominent of them all—silver in its purest of forms as sterling (though sterling silver became popular much later in Native American history).

Pure or sterling silver was not utilized extensively by the natives until it was introduced by the Spanish in the early 1800s alongside with more modern metalworking techniques. What the natives were used to prior to this period was what is known as “German silver,” a shiny metal mixture composed primarily of copper, zinc, and nickel—an inferior product to the purer sterling silver.

Of the tribes to begin utilizing sterling silver and modern smithing techniques, the Navajo were the first. According the best of current research, the first Navajo silversmith was Atsidi Sani, who apparently learned blacksmithing from the Spanish in the 1850s and subsequently progressed into silversmithing particularly in the 1860s.

Early silver jewelry craftsmen obtained their silver, more often than not, from both U.S. and Mexican minted coins, which contained a fine silver, the Mexican silver being the easier to work with and preferred by the Navajo. Preferable to the coins though, was sterling silver which could be obtained by melting down objects made from the metal, such as candlesticks, silverware, etc., that were becoming more readily available at this time.

The early focus of sterling silver jewelry making was upon belts, bolos, and other traditional native costume and ceremonial pieces. From these traditional constructions, however, emerged the jewelry pieces more familiar to those of European descent—sterling silver jewelry consisting of rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and the like.

Descendants of these Native Americans are still making jewelry today. And sterling silver is still a chief component. You see, rather than supplanting the traditional native craft, introduction of modern technology and materials only aided in the betterment of the finished product produced by these peoples. Today, you can purchase modern sterling silver jewelry: sterling silver bracelets, sterling silver rings, sterling silver necklaces, that still manifests the influence of these ancient American artisans.

Jake Kennedy is editor and publisher of the webs most fascinating Sterling Silver Jewelry website. For more fast facts on sterling silver jewelry check out: Sterling Silver Watch

Sterling silver jewelry is very much in style and is a great seller at retail stores, online gift sites, festivals, craft fairs, and trade shows. There are more than a few wholesale sterling silver sites online that sell everything you may need, from .925 sterling silver jewelry, to sterling silver jewelry making supplies like French wires, fasteners, and findings. A state issued sales tax identification number is necessary to make wholesale purchases, plus registration of your business for account set up. All this can be done online in a matter of a few minutes relatively easily. If you wish, you may also ask for to be placed on a mailing list for catalogues as well as the email special promotions. There are some wholesale sterling silver vendors who only sell to distributors and other wholesalers, while others only sell to resellers and retailers. Whichever you are, you should have no problem finding a wholesale sterling silver dealer to meet your specific needs.

One of the most popular metals, sterling silver has a wide range of uses, jewelry being one of the most popular. Besides silver is also used for silverware, silver dining services, and at one time was used in the making of coins. Artisans bought wholesale sterling silver to use in their original jewelry creations, or to make other fine pieces of art. Wholesale sterling silver can be used to make earrings, rings, pendants, body jewelry, bracelets, necklaces, chains, and watches. Semi-precious and precious stones are often utilized in the making of sterling silver jewelry as well, and truly complement the finished piece.

The making of sterling silver jewelry goes back several centuries, and is an art that has been passed on to others by teaching to successive family members, and through jewelry making apprenticeships.

As there are quite a few wholesale sterling silver vendors, be sure to shop comparatively before you settle on making a buy. There are diverse grades of wholesale sterling silver available, and purity may differ, or may be combined with other metals, such as nickel. Always remember, shop around, and teach yourself so that you understand exactly what you are getting. Sterling silver jewelry is a top seller, and you want to select the best quality that there is to keep your customers coming back for more. Irrespective if you are a wholesaler, distributor, or retailer looking to buy wholesale sterling silver jewelry, jewelry making supplies, or other pieces made from sterling silver, the internet is your best bet to find exactly what you are looking for!

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Silver is a component which is acknowledged for its luminance and scintillating white color. Ever since historical period, silver has been sweepingly used in crafting beautiful and dazing jewelry and diverse versatile adorns. This is one vital rationality why sterling silver jewelry is reaping more devotees. And the twist of its low-cost and fashionable, sterling silver jewelry is breaking bully competition to gold and platinum jewelry.

Pure silver is really a weakly metal and requires to be blended with alloys for more strength and potency. Sterling silver is actually a combination of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of alloys like copper. The word sterling came forth in England in the 13th century which credibly meant 'potent', 'solid' and 'stable'.

Sterling silver jewelry is ideal for casual use. It is impregnable enough to resist adversities of day-to-day wear. When matched with pro attire, sterling silver produces a fashion command of its own. Sterling silver earrings teamed up with a simple sterling silver necklace prepares you look classy, stylish and naturally, a straight professional.

For social function like cocktail party or political party, sterling silver jewelry helps stress your dress to bring it the sought-after elegance. Sterling silver jewelry tokens impart you the complete appearance at two-thirds the cost of gold or platinum jewelry. This is also one of the reasons why they are so popular with the young particularly teens and college-goers. Bracelets made of leather with sterling silver plates are a fad with guys. The girls fairly love the soft swinging sterling silver earrings with parti-colored gemstones. Voguish, trendy, swish, versatile and refined-sterling silver jewelry provides every style in the fashion account. If style is all about carrying your posture, sterling silver guarantees your attitude exhibited in a powerful mood and at the proper time.

Overstock Silver has a custom of excellent customer service that we will endeavor to maintain. With award-winning company service, superior silver jewelry and affordable prices, Overstock is definitely the home for fashionable and classy sterling silver jewelry.

For more info: contact customer service of http://www.overstocksilver.com, Exquisite Sterling Silver Jewelry. By email : sales@overstocksilver.com, phone # 1-800-430-0969, 410-878-7627.

The sterling silver is commonly referred to as pure silver but in reality it is silver alloy. You see pure silver as the name denotes is 99.9 percent pure silver and because of this it is often very soft for any type of application or use. Sterling silver on the other hand has 92.5 percent silver and the excess 7.5 percent is usually of another metal and very often it is in the form of copper.

The rationale behind the adding of copper or base metal is to solidify the alloy so it can be turned into different shapes. And if you will try to closely examine a sterling silver you will notice that it has a stamp marked underneath them. These stamps are used to differentiate sterling silver of one country from another. You see not all sterling stamps are the same. Manufacturer from various countries have their own distinct stamps and that helps buyers to know the origin of the sterling silver.

There are various things that can be done with sterling silvers like for instance in producing fine tableware like utensils, knives, silver trays, forks, spoons, coffee sets and tea sets. But the most remarkable application of Sterling silver is in the creation of various jewelry pieces.

Sterling Silver Beads

Sterling silver makes excellent necklaces. Plus they are not as expensive as gold necklaces. And when worn over a black dress forms a combination of sheer elegance. There are different types of sterling silver necklaces. There is what you call designer sterling necklaces for those who want something different. This type of sterling silver necklace is more expensive than any other types of silver necklace.

Among the sterling silver types of necklaces it is the beaded silver necklace that is one of the favorites in the world. The sterling silver beads enhance the beauty of the necklace so even from a distance you would be captivated by it.

Aside from necklace, sterling silver beads also makes great bracelets and earrings. Plus you can also use them to make various types of decorations. You can use them to accessorize all sorts of stuffs. There is no limit to what you can do with your sterling beads.

The good thing about the sterling silver jewelry is that it goes with almost all kind of fashion changes, matching all colors and types of clothing and very appropriate to both casual and formal events, the use of silver has always been to all kind of price levels and quality variations. You can use silver beads to create new and exciting jewelry, original and matching for a particular cause or simply casual simple jewelry items.

Sterling Silver is what most of us know as plain silver, with some practice and talent you can try and make your own silver jewelry by using Sterling Silver Beads [http://sterlingsilverjewelry.zupatips.com/Sterling_Silver_Beads.html/] and making items out of the raw material. Making silver jewelry is a passion of many, learn more about Sterling Silver at http://sterlingsilverjewelry.zupatips.com