Black Onyx Sterling Silver Earrings by Mary Tso

Mary Tso is a distinguished Native American jeweler renowned for her intricate and culturally rich designs. Hailing from the Navajo Nation, Tso has built a reputation for her exceptional craftsmanship and use of traditional techniques, blending them seamlessly with modern aesthetics. Her jewelry often features elaborate silverwork and vibrant gemstones, reflecting her deep connection to her heritage and the artistic traditions of the Navajo people. Through her work, Tso preserves and celebrates the artistry of Native American jewelry while continuing to innovate within the field.

Sterling Silver in Native American Jewelry

Sterling silver has been a cornerstone of Native American jewelry-making for over a century. Introduced through trade and colonial contact in the late 1800s, silver quickly became a favored material among Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artisans. Navajo silversmiths were among the first to adopt its use, learning techniques from Mexican metalsmiths and blending them with their own cultural motifs to create bold, handcrafted jewelry that remains iconic today.

Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This composition is denoted by the ".925" stamp found on authentic pieces, ensuring durability while retaining the precious metal’s brilliance and softness for hand-tooling.

Most silver used today is mined in countries like Mexico, Peru, China, and the United States (notably Arizona and Nevada). Native artists often work with American-mined silver for its cultural and geographical ties to the Southwest.

Care Tips:

• To maintain a bright, polished finish, gently clean sterling silver with a soft cloth or use a designated silver cleaning cloth to remove tarnish.

• To preserve the natural oxidation or patina, which many collectors cherish for its depth and character, simply wear the jewelry regularly and avoid over-cleaning. The patina develops naturally over time and enhances the handmade detail and stamping of each piece.

Whether kept polished or allowed to age gracefully, sterling silver serves as both canvas and frame for the stunning stones and stories embedded in Native American jewelry.

Black Onyx in Native American Jewelry

Black Onyx is a sleek, jet-black gemstone often used in Native American jewelry for its striking contrast and bold elegance. Valued for its smooth finish and deep, opaque tone, it’s frequently paired with sterling silver to create a dramatic, timeless look.

Many Native American silversmiths—especially Navajo and Zuni artists—use Black Onyx in rings, pendants, and cuff bracelets, either as a central stone or in combination with turquoise, coral, or mother of pearl. Its clean, modern appeal complements both traditional and contemporary designs.

Symbolically, Black Onyx is believed to offer protection, strength, and grounding energy, making it a meaningful choice for both artisan and wearer.