Ingot Silver Hoop and Ball Earrings [R]

These are the real things—the oldest and most classic style of Navajo earrings. The use of earrings dates to prehistoric times—starting with drilled stones strung on string and tied to pierced ears; then, most probably, turquoise earrings, known as jaclas, worn in the same manner; glass earrings introduced by the Spanish; and finally, silver earrings such as this pair.

The most favored early silver earrings were single, drilled silver beads threaded on a silver wire loop. Many early photographs of Navajo men demonstrate this.