| American Indian jewelry is worn by men, women, and | | | | Amber, which is often used in American Indian jewelry, |
| children all around the world. The jewelry is appealing | | | | is not actually a stone. Despite the fact that it is not |
| for a number of reasons. There are not many jewelry | | | | scientifically considered a stone, there are a large |
| pieces that can be considered elegant and mysterious | | | | number of individuals who classify it as a gemstone. |
| at the same time. One of the many mysteries | | | | Throughout the past and in different areas of the |
| surrounding American Indian jewelry is the meaning | | | | world, amber developed a wide variety of uses and |
| behind each piece. | | | | meanings. It was said that amber cured a wide variety |
| A large number of stones and other materials are | | | | of medical illness including headaches, kidney troubles, |
| used to make American Indian jewelry. The types of | | | | and heart problems. In the Middle East, this stone was |
| materials used all depend on the type of jewelry piece | | | | thought to symbolize the presence of the lord, keep |
| being made and the preference of the jewelry maker. | | | | one's body whole, and symbolize courage. |
| A large number of necklaces, bracelets, earring, | | | | Amethyst |
| pendants, and rings have been made using amethyst, | | | | American Indian jewelry containing a beautiful purple |
| amber, turquoise, coral, opal, jasper, quartz, pearl, and | | | | setting most likely contains amethyst. Amethyst was |
| more. | | | | once considered a valuable stone; however, the value |
| Almost all of the materials used to make American | | | | has diminished over the years. Since a large supply of |
| Indian jewelry have significance, in one way or another. | | | | amethyst was discovered in Brazil, a large number of |
| This significance may only come from old wise tales | | | | individuals are now able to afford beautiful pieces of |
| or it may be a belief that still exists today. Below is a | | | | American Indian jewelry with an amethyst setting. |
| summary of three American Indian jewelry settings | | | | In the past, an old wise tale stated that amethyst |
| and the meanings behind each. | | | | prevented individuals from becoming overly intoxicated. |
| Turquoise | | | | This wise tale stated that those who drank alcohol |
| American Indian jewelry is made from a wide variety | | | | from a cup made of amethyst would not become |
| of different materials and stones, but turquoise is one | | | | drunk. Amethyst is most commonly known for the |
| of the most popular materials used. Turquoise received | | | | ability to provide spiritual insight and promote good |
| it name, not because it was developed in Turkey, but | | | | behavior. It is believed that individuals wearing amethyst |
| because it was transported through Turkey. In today's | | | | are more likely to be honest and keep a quiet and |
| society, most of the turquoise comes from the Untied | | | | peaceful mind. |
| States and Mexico. | | | | Many individuals purchase a piece of American Indian |
| Ancient beliefs state that turquoise has powers that | | | | jewelry without even considering the meaning behind |
| protect those who wear it. This protection is believed | | | | that piece. On the other hand, there are some |
| to be in the form of physical and emotional harm. It has | | | | individuals who shop for American Indian jewelry solely |
| been said that turquoise stones are powerful all on | | | | based on the significance of each setting. Whatever |
| their own. However, many believe that the powers of | | | | reason you choose to shop for, it is possible to |
| turquoise can be greatly increased when combined | | | | purchase American Indian jewelry that may benefit |
| with copper. | | | | you in more ways than one. |
| Amber | | | | |