Wedding Rings

American Indian Gold Wedding Rings

The term Indians in North America meant historically the people known as Native Americans that used to populate the region. From the Native Americans we have inherited jewelry styles that were different in every American Indian tribe; this division was made by calling the tribes different names, each tribe with its own beliefs, customs and rituals. But these differences were less marked with other arts and crafts, as they used jewelry and their materials as trade items.

After colonization, Native Americans jewelry traditions remained, incorporating new materials and techniques. The tribes divided into Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Pueblo had their own metal jewelers whose art craft consisted in metalwork and beadwork. When Spanish came, the artisans learned the art of silver smithing and in this way the metal jewelry arts blossomed through creating more distinguished jewels that lasted in time up to our days.

A distinctive feature in their art was the one of using Turquoise and other stones as personal adornment. Most relevant one is Turquoise, the sky-stone, as they used to call it, because they believed to have fallen from the heavens of the gods above. The meanings f this stone (used also as a protection amulet) were that of wealth, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world .

The first style of Turquoise ring was a simple band but meantime it got the mark of a wonderful design that is suited for everyday wear and any other casual occasion that requires subtle elegance.

Jewelry and adornments have always been on fashion for ceremonial purposes, so it is a natural extension to incorporate native symbolism for men and women’s rings as well including the American Indian gold wedding ring.  Other symbols are to be found in the art of jewelry: gold eagle, bear paw, that mean strength and acute sense of perception.

A Turquoise ring offered to a friend would bring protection for the wearer from negative energy, bringing also good fortune. This stone is the symbol of friendship and peace at home. Turquoise is about wisdom of basic truth within it, is a stone that a person must learn to bring into harmony with, rather than the stone bringing into harmony with the person. That is why couples chose the alternative of a Turquoise wedding ring to that of a simple plain golden band. The American Indian gold wedding rings come also with engravings of the figures of an eagle or with Turquoise embellished design, the stone that carries within the deep and special meanings of what should a marriage stand for.