If you have ever asked what are Navajo pearls made of, here is the straight answer: they are Sterling silver beads, shaped and finished by hand by Navajo (Diné) artists.
They look like pearls on a strand, but they do not come from the sea. They come from a workbench, a torch, a file, and a lot of practice.
What Are Navajo Pearls Made Of?
Most authentic Navajo pearls use .925 Sterling silver. That number matters because pure silver is too soft for everyday jewelry. Sterling keeps the shine and adds strength, so beads hold their shape and last.
At Kachina House, we carry Navajo pearls made by talented Navajo artisans. Each bead gets shaped, polished, and sometimes darkened on purpose to bring out patterns and texture. That is why one strand can look bright and sleek, while another has a softer, older finish.
A Quick History of the Material
Beads have a long history in Native communities across the Southwest. Earlier beadwork used what people had nearby: shell, stone, bone, and other natural materials. Later, metalwork became part of Navajo jewelry, and silver rose to the top because it could take detail, hold up to wear, and look clean after years of use.
Over time, Navajo silversmiths built a style that people now recognize. Navajo pearls became one of the most loved results of that tradition.
How Navajo Pearls Are Made
There are different ways to make these beads; but the classic handmade method often follows a similar method:
- An artist starts with a sheet of sterling silver and cuts out small circles.
- Then each circle gets shaped into a dome, like a tiny bowl.
- Two matching domes get soldered together to form one bead.
- A hole is drilled so the bead can be strung.
- The bead gets filed, smoothed, and polished.
Some artists stamp designs while the silver is still flat. Others add fluting, ridges, or texture after the bead takes shape. Some beads get oxidized to create contrast.
That is what many people appreciate most. Oxidation can darken the low areas, then a quick polish can brighten the high points. You get depth without losing the silver glow.
Why Are They Called Navajo Pearls?
They are called “pearls” because they sit on a strand the way classic pearls do: round, smooth, and graduated in size from the center out. The name is about the look, not the source.
They are called “Navajo” because Navajo (Diné) silversmiths made the style famous and have kept it alive across generations.
You may also hear the term “desert pearls.” Some people use it for similar-looking silver beads that are not made by Navajo artists. If authenticity matters to you, shop from a place that clearly supports Native crafters and identifies the work.
Are Navajo Pearls Solid Silver?
They are real Sterling silver, but many beads are hollow, not solid all the way through.
That is normal, and it is part of smart jewelry design. Hollow beads keep a strand comfortable, even when the beads are large. They also let artists build clean shapes without turning the necklace into something heavy and stiff.
Hollow does not mean “cheap.” In many cases, the labor is the biggest value: cutting, shaping, soldering, drilling, finishing, and then stringing everything so it sits right.
How to Spot Good Quality
You do not need a jeweler’s loupe to notice the difference. Here are a few simple signs that should point you in the right direction:
- Sterling silver markers: Look for “.925” or “Sterling” on clasps or tags when available.
- Small natural variations: Handmade beads may not be perfectly identical, and that is often a good sign.
- Finish choices that look intentional: Bright polish looks clean and modern. Oxidized beads look warmer and more vintage.
- Solid stringing and clasp work: A strand should feel secure, and the clasp should match the quality of the beads.
How to Wear Navajo Pearls without Overthinking it
Navajo pearls are easy to style because they wear well with almost everything.
- Wear a single strand when you want a clean look.
- Layer two or three strands when you want more presence.
- Pair them with turquoise when you want a classic Southwest feel.
- Mix them with modern chains when you want contrast.
They can look sharp with a simple tee, and they can dress up a button-down or a black dress. It depends on bead size, strand length, and whether the finish is bright or oxidized.
Find Your Next Strand at Kachina House
All in all, when you ask what are Navajo pearls made of, the answer is simple: Sterling silver plus handcrafted.
But that short answer misses what you actually feel when you wear them.
You feel the weight sit right on your collarbone. You notice how the beads catch light even on a cloudy day. You see tiny differences from bead to bead, and you realize a person made this strand, not a machine.
If you are shopping for authenticity, keep it practical. Look for Sterling silver markings, check the clasp quality, and buy from a source that supports Native artists and clearly identifies the work.
Ready to add a strand to your collection? Explore the vast collection of Navajo pearls online at Kachina House and find the piece that fits your style.
