Navajo Sterling Silver Oval Blue & Gold Lapis Pendant

How do I clean and care for genuine Native American Jewelry to keep it looking its best?

Sterling silver naturally darkens over time, and many pieces are finished with a light patina to enhance their character. To gently remove any tarnish or patina, use a soft polishing cloth—never solvents, commercial cleaners, or steam. Keep jewelry completely dry: remove rings before washing hands, using hand sanitizer, or applying lotions, and avoid any liquid contact (water, oils, perfumes). Moisture can expand the sawdust setting in Native American inlay work, loosening or displacing stones. Also avoid heat and harsh chemicals (chlorine, ammonia, household cleaners). For storage, keep each piece in a cool, dry place—ideally inside an airtight anti-tarnish bag or a soft cloth pouch—and store items separately to prevent scratching.

Learn More: Native American Jewelry Care Guide

What does the “STERLING” or “925” stamp mean on Native silver jewelry?

A “STERLING” or “925” stamp tells you that the maker crafted the piece from 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% alloy for extra strength, ensuring you get genuine, durable sterling silver often used in Native jewelry.

Learn More: A Guide to Sterling Silver Native American Jewelry

What is a composite stone used in Native American jewelry?

A composite stone is made by combining small pieces of genuine gemstones—like turquoise, coral, or lapis—with a binding material to form a solid, cohesive piece. In Native American jewelry, these stones are often used to create bold, colorful designs while making use of smaller, naturally broken pieces of high-quality stone. Composite stones are real but enhanced, offering an affordable and sustainable way to showcase traditional craftsmanship and vibrant colors.

What is Lapis in Native American jewelry?

Lapis, short for Lapis Lazuli, is a deep blue semi-precious stone often flecked with gold-colored pyrite. It has been prized for thousands of years for its rich color and natural shimmer. In Native American jewelry, Lapis is used to add vibrant contrast to silver settings and is sometimes paired with turquoise or coral. Its deep, celestial blue brings a regal and artistic touch to handcrafted pieces, making it a favorite for statement rings, necklaces, and inlays.

How do I choose the right necklace length?

Choosing the right necklace length depends on your style, neckline, and where you want the necklace to sit. A 14–16 inch necklace fits like a choker and sits snugly around the neck, perfect for layering or open necklines. An 18 inch necklace, often called "princess length," rests at the collarbone and is the most popular and versatile option for everyday wear. A 20–24 inch necklace falls just below the collarbone or at the top of the bust. This length works well over higher necklines or for a more noticeable statement piece. Longer styles, like 28–36 inch "opera length" necklaces, hang below the bust and can be worn as a single strand or doubled up for a layered effect. Necklaces over 36 inches, often called "rope length," are great for dramatic looks and can be styled in multiple creative ways. To find the best fit, use a measuring tape or string to test how each length looks on you before purchasing.

Learn More: Native American Jewelry Sizing Guide