History of the Hopi Silver Jewelry
Originally, the beautiful designs on Hopi silver jewelry were stamped on, or even cast. Somewhere along the line, Hopi silversmiths started a process called overlay. Using two sheets of stainless steel, the design was cut out on one sheet. Then after careful soldering, the sheets were fused together and the cut out areas were blackened and hammered. The results are beautiful pieces of art that you wear.
In the beginning, only the Hopi men were allowed to make Hopi silver jewelry. Over time women have began making the silver jewelry and are getting quite successful at the art form with many women making a name for themselves. Each silversmith, male or female has a specific stamp used to authenticate their work. And each true piece of Hopi silver jewelry will have the silversmiths mark inside the work.
Symbols and Meanings of Hopi Silver Jewelry
The designs on Hopi silver jewelry vary greatly and usually signify something spiritual, or cultural to the Hopi nation. For instance, the Kokopelli is a fertility symbol, very common on Hopi silver jewelry. The bear, a symbol of strength, is also a common symbol on Hopi silver jewelry.
What you probably won’t see on Hopi silver jewelry is the use of stones. Early Hopi silver jewelry used no stones. Instead, the silversmiths preferred to tell stories, or send well wishes, in symbolic form on their jewelry pieces. Today, modern Hopi silversmiths will use turquoise or maybe even coral with their pieces.
Hopi Silver Jewelry Collectibles
Hopi silver jewelry is in high demand worldwide and within tribes. ‘Old pawn’ jewelry is a very hot, albeit sensitive market. Old pawn is Hopi silver jewelry that was lost to a pawn shop during financial stress. While many collectors have no problem buying the ‘old pawn’ family heirlooms, some feel that the jewelry was unjustly lost to the family. They believe that a ‘bad spirit’ is on the jewelry and therefore will not buy it. In either case, none of the money goes back to the family that originally held the Hopi silver jewelry.
There are other ways of collecting fine Hopi silver jewelry pieces. Many silversmiths today sell their artwork online and will even do custom orders. It is a financially profitable way for the Hopi to continue their tradition of wonderful Hopi silver jewelry and a way to add to your collection.