Native American Bolo Ties: The Authentic Accessory

At HARPO, we're committed to bringing you the very best in Native American jewelry. When you think of jewelry, you may not immediately think of bolo ties, yet this timeless accessory can be the detail that enhances your style.

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Bolo tie: a symbol 

The bolo tie, or western tie, is a typical accessory of 19th-century American fashion. Originating in cowboy culture, particularly in the Southwest USA, it has evolved over time while retaining its authentic character, always attracting Western style enthusiasts. It consists of a braided leather or vinyl rope and a sliding metal clasp, which is tightened around the neck.

From Western movies to major fashion shows, the bolo tie is an emblematic accessory of the American Southwest. In everyday life, the bolo tie will accessorize your outfit with strength and originality, and on a dressy outfit it can replace a tie or necklace with strength and elegance.

The Navajos, Zunis and Hopis played an essential role in the evolution of the bolo tie, integrating cultural and spiritual elements. The accessory was adopted by Native American communities both as a symbol of their heritage and as a means of adapting to modern fashions. Materials such as turquoise, sterling silver and coral, black-jet and mother-of-pearl, as well as traditional motifs (inlays and overlay), reflect their expertise.

Native American expertise through bolo ties

Our selection of bolo ties is rich and varied. You're sure to find your favorite among the many exceptional pieces we have.

Sterling silver bolo ties

At Harpo, you'll find bolo ties in sterling silver, crafted by Native American artisans from the Zuni, Navajo and Hopi tribes. Each of these tribes has its own unique approach to the art of silver.

The Navajo are particularly renowned for their stamping work, a technique they create using punches. They create their own motifs, which they hammer onto sterling silver, or use various methods to give relief to the silver plate of their bolo ties. These motifs have a profound meaning and offer a wonderful opportunity to travel through Native American traditions. Stamping, a meticulous process, is characterized by fine lines, while the relief play of the motifs can be enriched by techniques such as Tufa Cast. These two different techniques will add a unique and authentic touch to your outfit, reminding you of the heritage and cultural richness of the Navajo people.

Overlay Bolo ties

Overlay is a Hopi specialty. This technique consists of superimposing two identically sized plates of sterling silver. One is cut in a specific pattern, serving as a stencil, and applied to the other plate. The resulting background is oxidized and scratched, creating a contrast between the two pieces that highlights the motif.

Turquoise stone bolo ties

At HARPO, turquoise has a special place. For generations, it has been the stone of choice for Amerindian craftsmen. The turquoise bolo ties you'll discover are truly exceptional pieces, requiring hours and hours of work.

Navajo craftsmen often prefer turquoise in its raw state, cutting it to its natural shapes and polishing it to reveal its brilliance. Strength and power characterize the turquoise crafted by Navajo jewelers, with each piece embodying the authenticity and grandeur of this precious stone.

Turquoise is a choice of infinite shades, from deep blue to brilliant green, sublimating the work of the Native Americans. It is still representative of Native American the exceptional craftsmanship, with numerous details such as small smooth or chased spheres, or finely worked cords, evoking the shape of a lasso. This reminds us of the way in which the Natives consider stone, which must be tamed like a wild animal. This exceptional workmanship makes the bolo tie unique and unsurpassed in beauty. 

inlay Bolo ties 

Zuni artists are famous for their mastery of inlay, an art which, in Native American jewelry, demands exceptional precision and delicacy. Although some Navajo learn this technique from the Zuni, their expertise does not match that of the Zuni masters.

The technique is distinguished by its use of geometric or figurative forms: artists compose motifs from precious stones such as turquoise, coral, mother-of-pearl or jet, as well as natural materials. Each piece is meticulously cut and polished by hand.

It's a remarkable work of art that plays on colors and textures. These motifs often carry symbols of great significance to Native American. The subtle interplay between lines, materials (silver and precious stones) and colors enriches each creation with a unique depth.

It's up to you:

In the world of fashion, it's all about playing with materials, textures and colors, and that's exactly what Harpo offers. There's something for every style.

As you've probably noticed, the bolo tie is an accessory to be approached lightly. Whether worn with a casual shirt or a suit, it adds a touch of originality and fun to your look. It's a casual accessory that frees you from traditional tie codes. Wear it as a necklace, for example. Dare to be original and you'll soon be getting compliments!

Come and take a look at our universe and be surprised by our exceptional Native American pieces. Explore our site to discover our collections, our blog articles, or dive into stories and legends that will pique your curiosity.


You can visit us at 19 rue de Turbigo. We look forward to welcoming you.