Vintage 1970's. Navajo handmade beads. Set in solid sterling silver. Probably on of our most raw and beautiful set of Navajo Pearls. You can see the dents, and hammer marks in each bead showing its authenticity. This is what Native American jewelry is all about. NAVJAO PEARLS- CIRCA 1970'S Navajo Pearls are traditionally made sterling silver beads. Silver beads are a traditional art form for Diné silversmiths, and the beads have as many expressions as there are artisans.Making the beads is a time-consuming process. Each bead begins with silver that has to be melted, rolled and cut.