When it comes to jewelry of the Southwest, particularly Native American jewelry, there is no place quite like Santa Fe, New Mexico. That counts triple for the month of August, when many of the top jewelers come to Santa Fe for events and openings, including Santa Fe Indian Market. One place collectors should set their sights on is the August 18 and 19 jewelry show at Palace Jewelers at Manitou Galleries, just a (gem)stone’s throw away from the Santa Fe Plaza. 
Arland Ben (Diné), Dragonfly Buckle, sterling silver and 14k yellow gold and Bisbee turquoise
Among the artists showing during this special jewelry showcase will be four Diné jewelers: Harrison Jim, Arland Ben, Jennifer Curtis and B Tom. Their work will range from traditional shapes with classic Navajo imagery and symbols to very contemporary designs with cutting-edge techniques. All will be magnificent examples to savvy jewelry collectors.
B Tom (Diné), Monument Valley Pictorial Earrings, sterling silver, multi inlay cobblestone
“I enjoy showing with Manitou, especially when I’m going 100 mph like I have been lately. It’s the bolos right now. I just can’t keep up with the orders, which is a good problem to have,” says Ben. “For me it all comes down to the uniqueness of the work. I strive for unique jewelry at every step. These days I’m doing lots of fabrication and overlay work.”
Harrison Jim (Diné), Coin Silver Reversible Ant Necklace, coral on one side, black onyx on other
Jennifer Curtis (Diné), Bisbee Stamped Row Cuff Bracelet, Bisbee turquoise, sterling silver and 14k yellow gold
One of his pieces is Dragonfly Buckle in sterling silver and gold with a piece of Bisbee turquoise in the middle. “I hang onto the good stones for 5, 6, 7 years before I need them,” he says. “I want to save them for the right time to use them.”
Jennifer Curtis (Diné), sterling silver stamped buckle with Royston turquoise
One of Jim’s works in the Manitou show is Coin Silver Reversible Ant Necklace, which features a silver ant holding a silver leaf. “I was sitting in my garden watching this red ant carrying a leaf. I picked it up and sort of looked at it’s body structure. Nature can be a great way to get inspiration,” he says. “I’m always excited to show work in August in Santa Fe. It’s always hectic but it definitely pays off.”
Harrison Jim (Diné), belt buckle with Kingman turquoise and sterling silver stamped floral
The two-day show will open with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on August 18. The gallery will also be open throughout Santa Fe Indian Market that weekend.
Manitou Galleries
August 18-19, 2022
123 W. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-0440, www.manitougalleries.com
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