How are Navajo Pearls made?
What are Navajo Pearls?
The Process of Making Navajo Pearls
So, how are these beautiful Navajo Pearls made? The process for handmade Navajo Pearls is a time intensive process and typically involves the following steps:
- The artist begins with a sheet of sterling silver and hand cuts out circular pieces in the desired size. Each bead consists of two of these silver circles.
- At this point, some artists might choose to hand-stamp the silver with designs while it's still flat.
- Each silver circle is placed on a steel block with a half-sphere depression and carefully hammered by hand to form a dome shape. Each hammered dome shape will be one half of the bead.
- Two matching half-spheres are then soldered together at the center, creating a round, hollow sterling silver bead.
- A hole is drilled through the center of the bead to allow for stringing.
- The artist then either polishes the beads for a bright finish or intentionally oxidizes them to achieve a darker, antique look through a chemical process involving liver of sulfur.
- The beads are strung onto a necklace, with the final bead near the clasp often bearing the artist’s signature.
- A sterling silver clasp is added to complete the necklace.
- For oxidized necklaces, the artist may lightly polish the strand, leaving the center of the beads darker and the outer edges slightly brightened. This technique creates a subtle, smoky gradient effect for contrast.
Oxidized ("Old Style") Navajo Pearl Necklaces by Ruby and Veltenia Haley
Navajo Pearl Artists
At Garland's, our Navajo Pearl collection features some of the best artists to ever make these beads! These artists include the six-generation bead making family of the Haleys, Al Joe, Bryan Joe, Kyle Lee-Anderson, Trent Lee-Anderson, Marie Yazzie, Danny Jackson, Debbie Silversmith, and Thomas Jim.
A Generational Craft
Like other traditional Navajo silversmithing and jewelry-making traditions, beadmaking is a particular skillset that has been passed down through generations. Victoria Haley-Anderson shares her experience below.
"I was six years old when mom gradually taught me how to curve (bend) silver, while grandma Rhoda guided with a tiny hammer. Around age 10 curving became easier, and by 11 I was involved in more intense tasks like helping roll silver, cut circle disks, and trim edges using a silver scissor cutter. I’d also observe my dad work, and he taught me numerous tasks like how to file, buff, cut silver plates, and shape tubings. His incredible background helped model parts of my work done now... Beadmaking is a personal bond and where family roots sit, something I continue to support and help protect."
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