The creation of jewelry by Native Americans in the southwest goes back to pre-historic times. Using native materials such as jet and turquoise, and adding shells (which were highly prized trade goods), they created beautiful inlaid necklaces and earrings. Some artists, especially in Santo Domingo pueblo, still use similar techniques today.

In the mid-1800's silverworking was introduced to the Navajo by artists from Mexico. Early pieces were hand-hammered silver, and over time, stones such as turquoise were added to the designs. Many of the southwestern tribes learned from their neighbors how to silversmith, and initially, the tribes all did similar work, what we would call traditional Navajo style today.

By the twentieth century, different tribes began to evolve their own styles. In Zuni, inlay work became popular. Soon to follow were petit point and needlepoint stone shaping. The focus became cutting the stones to fit the design of the silverwork, as opposed to creating a design around one central stone.

In the 1930's, a new technique called overlay was introduced in Hopi and it has remained the style most associated with Hopi jewelry. Essentially, design work is cut into one layer of silver, which is then soldered to a second layer (or more). Then the artist textures and oxidizes the background for contrast. Often no stones are added, although contemporary pieces frequently contain stones. Most designs are symbolic of natural forces, plants, animals or katsina figures.

All of our jewelry is handmade by individual Native American artists from the southwest. We consider beauty and quality workmanship to be of equal importance in selecting pieces for our gallery. We look for unique pieces with well-chosen materials. Many of our pieces contain traditional elements such as petroglyphs, yet many have a contemporary design. Our web site display shows a small sample of our inventory. 

Wilson and Carol Begay

Lola Dawes

Sara Edaakie

Ruddell and Nancy Laconsello

Navajo Jewelry

Jasper Nelson

Peter Nelson

Myron Panteah