Inlay is one of the most intricate techniques used in jewelry by Native American artists today. First made famous by Zuni artists, inlay work is now practiced by Native American artists from several tribes. The quality and expertise of these artists is remarkable. Hand crafted inlaid jewelry by the American Indian artists are instant heirlooms, to be handed down from generation to generation.
One of the most intricate techniques used to make sterling silver jewelry is the process called channel inlay. The Zuni tribes are well known for this technique. An inlay base design is made and then a narrow rim of silver is soldered around the edge. With the same material, different dividers are then soldered inside the rim. As you might imagine, this process is very tedious and requires a great deal of skill and patience. The result is a series channels or boxes into which small pieces of turquoise, shell, or other stones are carefully cut to fit snugly into these areas. Small pieces of left over turquoise from other projects can thus be salvaged and used to create a sterling silver jewelry item of intricate detail. The small pieces of inlay, once fit properly, are glued in place usually with a strong epoxy adhesive. Often times, a small amount of sawdust is used as a cushioning agent under the inlaid material. The inlay materials are set so that they are slightly lower than the silver channels. Once the adhesive has cured properly, the entire inlaid area is ground down to the level of the inlay. This process actually wraps the silver very slightly over the inlay which helps in holding it firmly in place. The final finish and polishing are applied and the process is complete. Sterling silver jewelry made with channel inlay is an art in itself and some of the finest creations are truly the proud results of skilled Native American jewelry craftsmanship.
