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For many years the Southwestern Indians have been best known for the variety and beauty of their jewelry, even though it is the least ancient of their creative productions. Early efforts utilized silver spoons or coins as the base material for metalsmithing. Somewhat later lapidary productions began with everyday beads and glass which has progressed to the use of unexpected stones and gemstones in intricate patterns made possible by new tools and techniques. Such exotic stones as lapis lazuli, sugilite, opal and malachite are replacing or appearing alongside the skystone, coral, and jet, especially in gold settings. Diamonds, pearls, rubies, and emeralds are no longer oddities in the creations of the most proficient artists. Even those artists adhering to the more traditional raw materials in smithing and lapidary are able to fabricate stunning and unique creations by manipulating and combining these elements in distinctive and unusual fashion. With all this innovation and change it is interesting to note how the type of jewelry production still adheres to traditional tribal derivations after so many decades of evolution. Cast work is still primarily a Navajo style, along with sheets-and-wire manufacture. The distinctive overlay jewelry is still practiced to perfection mostly by Hopi artisans, and the various inlay and all-stone jewelry is still recognized as a Zuni specialty.