When it comes to Native American barrettes, there are all styles and sizes. Many of them use a standard spring clip to fasten the embellishment to the hair. But the sterling silver barrette attached to the spring clip can vary widely in weight.
Some people like a very heavy sterling silver barrette. They might have a lot of very thick hair. Or use the barrette at the nape of the neck pulling all the hair back.
Others like a featherweight barrette. Maybe they have thin or very slick hair and don’t want the weight of the barrette to cause it to lose its grip and slip down. Or perhaps they use one barrette on each side or to just pull part of the hair back.
Whatever the reason, we all have our personal preferences and uses for barrettes and it is good to know that there are choices available. Take, for example, the popular large feather barrette.
Both of these barrettes are set on the same 2 1/2″ long spring clip.
- 2 1/2″ long spring clip
This substantial feather barrette, by Navajo Carson Blackgoat, is 4 1/8″ long and weighs 25 grams.
- Heavy Sterling Silver Feather Barrette by Carson Blackgoat, Navajo
This lighter version by Navajo artist Milton Vandever is 3 1/4″ long and weighs 13 grams.
- Lightweight Sterling Silver Feather Barrette by Milton Vandever, Navajo
Which barrette do you prefer?
Native American Jewelry Tips 
Do you have any without spring clips?
Almost all the barrettes we carry are Navajo made and have spring clips. Some of the beaded barrettes made by Plains artists are made on the older style simple barrette but I’m not sure what those are called. We occasionally have those in our pawn shop and have some to put in there soon !