Creating Navajo Sandcast Jewelry
Authentic Native American Jewelry made using the Sandcast Method
Crafting Traditions: Native American Sandcast Jewelry
by Donna Bunnell • September 28, 2023
Turquoise Jewelry, Native American Jewelry
Native American jewelry holds a unique and timeless beauty that has captivated people around the world for centuries. One of the most distinctive and cherished forms of Native American jewelry-making is the art of sandcasting. This ancient technique allows artisans to create intricate and meaningful pieces that reflect the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities. Sandcasting is a style of Navajo jewelry. It was first created by silversmiths sometime between 1840 and 1860. The basis of this process is a mold made by carving the desired design into a stone. Using this mold, a piece of jewelry is created. Sandcasting is a labor-intensive, handcrafted process. It takes a true craftsman to make the mold and finish the jewelry. It takes approximately three days from start to finish to make a medium sized bracelet! You can see our current selection of Sandcast Jewelry here: https://www.treasuresofthesout...