3/31/2012

Alaskan Jewelry Is A Unique Art Form

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By Natasha Gonzalez


Alaskan jewelry is a reflection of the states riches. Manufacturers have a wealth of beautiful, natural materials right at home to use in their pieces. The mining industry provides resources such as gold nuggets, red garnets and amethysts which range from purple to yellow. Traditional native pieces often incorporates materials harvested from the land including, bone, ivory, fur and feathers. Iconic shapes like fish or eagle in designs reflect the fact the pieces are created in the state. Alaskan jewelry

Gold nuggets have a long and rich history in Alaska. The raw material has been used in the manufacturing of fine pieces since the days of the Alaska gold rush. The nuggets are versatile as the sizes range from small flecks of gold to nuggets weighing several ounces. Some popular styles include mounting the gold on a simple pendant, inserting them into a ring or using the flecks to cover watch bands or bracelets.

Jade is one of the states favorite manufacturing materials. Its not particularly expensive. Its readily available and adapts well to a broad range of products. Customers can choose from jade earrings, bracelets and pendants. Its often set in gold nugget flakes for a rich and distinguished looking watch band.

While much of Alaska's material comes from the ground, ivory comes from the states animals. It is collected from walrus tusks or fossilized whale and mammoth tusks. It is often decorated with scrimshaw, an artist technique that has been around for more than 100 years. A fine pin like tool scratches a design into the ivory and the scratch marks are filled with ink. Ivory is often used for solid, distinctive pieces often with added gemstones.

Alaska's natives have a strong influence on the states products. Tlingit Indians from the southeast are well known for their hand engraved silver bracelets with scenes of fish or eagles. In the southwest pieces are more likely to be made of copper. Often the techniques have been passed down through the generations.

Alaskan jewelry is created by artists who take pride in their work. Each piece has a unique style that sends a special message or evokes a memory.




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