Within this section, we celebrate finely crafted jewelry pieces made by some of the best artists working today, and all the work is available for purchase. Also present are historic pieces that have stood the test of time and call to past traditions and master jewelers. While today we see fine examples that include exquisite gemstones, minerals, turquoise and precious metals made into cuff bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings, we must also take note of the past, when Indigenous Peoples of North American helped set the stage for the artwork seen today. The jewelry featured here is a magnificent selection of the past and the present, and even a glimpse at the future.
Heard Museum Shop
Navajo silversmith Boyd Tsosie has been actively creating jewelry since the 1970s. His first critical acclaim was in response to his unique traditional flower and leaf motifs, but his style has since evolved, incorporating traditional and contemporary elements in combination with rare, unique and natural gemstones that can be seen in the ring pictured here.
2301 N. Central Avenue » Phoenix, AZ 85004 » (602) 346-8190 » www.heardmuseumshop.com
Grey Dog Trading
Veronica Poblano is justly famous for her innovative, fanciful jewelry that both honors and redefines her Zuni heritage. Her father, the great Leo Poblano, was a master jeweler as well as a master fetish carver. Veronica continues her father’s legacy in both disciplines, always using the finest stones and jewelry materials. These two frog carvings are especially appropriate as Leo always carved a frog to mark the arrival of a new child.
1925 Old Town Road NW » Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 243-0414 » www.greydogtrading.com
Antique Native American Baskets
Selected from Antique Native American Basket’s vintage and antique store collection are these three astonishing Navajo jewelry pieces. Featured is a 1920s box and bow squash blossom necklace with blue gem turquoise, an early 1930s turquoise and silver cluster blouse pin, and a cluster turquoise and silver blouse pin. Please view the store website for further details and additional contact information.
Patagonia, AZ » www.antiquenabaskets.com
Palace Jewelers at Manitou Galleries
This sterling silver ID charm necklace was handmade by renowned silversmith Curtis Pete (Hopi/Navajo), who is well-known for his fine overlay and stamping techniques. The necklace also features a Thunderbird and lightning design, measuring at 20 inches, and hangs on an adjustable leather strap.
123 W. Palace Avenue » Santa Fe, NM 87501 » (505) 984-9859 » www.manitougalleries.com/jewelry
Sorrel Sky Gallery
Early Native Americans, for the intention of communication, made many rock art images. They had many meanings, from their use for spiritual teaching to young tribal initiates to lessons for the more mature on the Greater Journey of Life, and a way of saying, “We were here!” which has echoed down through the ages. Pictured is a custom-sized Rock Art Peak Dome bracelet by Ben Nighthorse (Northern Cheyenne) in sterling silver.
Santa Fe, New Mexico » 505.501.6555 »
Durango, Colorado » 970.247.3555 » www.sorrelsky.com
Tanner’s Indian Arts
The New Lander Royal Web, Nevada jewelry set pictured here, is all one-of-a-kind and combines top-grade, gem-quality materials. Mined by Joe E. Tanner Sr. and Cindy Tanner in the 1980s, this material features incredible spider web and dreamy hues. Pieces include necklaces and earrings by Boyd Tsosie (Navajo) and a 14k gold Sunface bracelet by master silversmith Lee A. Yazzie (Navajo).
By appointment at 237 West Coal » Gallup, New Mexico 87301 » (505) 863-6017 » tanneremerald@gmail.com » www.tannersindianarts.com
Ken Fury
View from the Sky, pictured here, is a one-of-a-kind pendant by Ken Fury that is handcarved and cast in sterling silver with a King’s Manassa turquoise from Colorado. The pendant is signed and comes with a sterling silver chain. “This piece is inspired by the landscapes of Southern Colorado where I grew up with influences from my Nuevomexicano Hispanic and Indigenous Genízaro heritage,” the artist explains.
Lyndon Tsosie
Artist Lyndon Tsosie was born in 1968 in Ft. Defiance, Arizona. A star among contemporary Navajo jewelers, he is a stamper of traditional metal and masterful inlayer of fine materials who exhibits innovative forms and design concepts, like with pieces pictured here. His newest pieces feature strong influences from Japanese art, yet his creations remain Navajo. Lyndon has become internationally known and his work is sought after all over the world.
124 S. Bradley Street » Gallup, NM » (505) 399-1894 » www.thehouseofstamps.com
JT Willie
This chandelier blossom features Kingman turquoise and sterling silver with handmade beads. “I make jewelry in dedication to those I learned from,” says JT Willie. “I am thankful to my grandfather for the gift to create. I add my style to make unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. I enjoy combining a traditional look to a modern style of Navajo jewelry.”
(505) 979-6659 » www.jtwillie.com
Hindman Auctions
Spotlighting its February 14 Native American Jewelry Auction, Hindman Auctions is excited to offer a unique selection of jewelry from historic ingot pieces to contemporary masters. The sale will feature the traditional work of Mark Chee, with his heavily stamped cuffs; along with the revolutionary work of Charles Loloma, with his sparkling 14k gold and charoite cuff; to the contemporary works of Jesse Monongya and Alan Wallace.
5030 Oaklawn Drive » Cincinnati, OH 45227 » (513) 871-1670 » www.hindmanauctions.com
Dee Nez Jewelry
Pictured here is a beautiful Sonoran Mountain turquoise necklace with matching earrings and ring, designed by Navajo jeweler Dee Nez. The necklace measures 12¾ inches long with an inside circumference of 20½. It has a handmade chain, hook and eye. The chandelier post earrings measure 2¾ inches long. The ring has a heavy-gauge, adjustable stamped shank, and measures 21/8 inches long. Each piece on the necklace, earrings and ring has intricate silver designs.
deenezjewelry20@yahoo.com » Instagram: @ahenibah.18
Jesse Robbins
Like the first smiths and plateros of the Southwest, Robbins (Muscogee) creates one-of-a-kind tufa-cast ingot, hand-wrought, coin silver jewelry. Incredibly labor intensive, this method produces jewelry that is classic and timeless. Robbins creates his work to be worn and experienced. The pendant, pictured here, features a wonderful Charlie Favour spiny oyster shell and turquoise mosaic. The mosaic is set into Robbin’s classic stamp and file work and is strung on handcut deer lace accented with a large silver bead.
Zefren-M
“The more things change, the more they stay the same” was an 18th-century aphorism that describes Zefren-M’s (Ephraim Anderson) desire to make jewelry that is both classical Navajo while being seeped in futurism and eccentricity. “Beauty is timeless and
I want my jewelry worn with the old and new—and to amplify both,” says the artist. Pictured here is Water & Comets No. 3, a cuff bracelet with a Sleeping Beauty nugget set in a Cake bezel.
(505) 320-1115 » www.zefren-m.com
Davida Lister
This two strands, multi-turquoise reversible treasure necklace is made with more than 15 different turquoise mines. It has Royston, Dry Creek, black-webbed Kingman turquoise, Golden Hills turquoise, Nevada Blue, Carico Lake, Number 8, Sonoran Gold turquoise, Sierra Blue turquoise and Sleeping Beauty. Artist Davida Lista loved making this necklace because it is a great reminder of the treasures Mother Earth creates with natural elements.
(775) 303-8062 » davidalister7@gmail.com » www.davidalisterjewelry.com
Abby Kent Flythe Fine Art
Danny Romero’s (Spanish/Yaqui) Portrait Buckle of Native American, features a man with eyes fixed straight ahead in a bold fashion, in an attempt to capture your attention! The artist used lapis, fossil ivory, coral, pipestone, jet and mother of pearl set in sterling silver, and measures 3¼ by 4¼ inches. Romero passed away in 2018 but has left a legacy of timeless works of art treasured by collectors and museums all over the world.
(540) 538-9406 » info@abbykentflythefineart.com » www.abbykentflythefineart.com
Waddell Gallery
This 14k gold corn bracelet inlaid with high-grade Lone Mountain turquoise, coral, lapis, opal and fossil ivory by Lee Yazzie, was featured in Lois Dubin’s book, Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family. There is a complex hidden structure holding the corn kernels. Lee explains the process: “The 22-gauge gold for the bottom of the bracelet was not thick enough to provide structure. So, I challenged myself to see what I could do with it…”
7144 E. Main Street » Scottsdale, AZ 85251 » (480) 990-1004 » watradeco@aol.com » www.waddellgallery.com
Ancient Nations
Featured here is a turquoise, pink coral and sugilite pendant in sterling silver, made by Phil and Fannie Bitsoi-Russell. They are an award-winning couple hailing from the Navajo Nation, and are well known for their exquisite shell and stone jewelry. They are masters when it comes to channel and cobblestone inlay. This particular piece is a stunning example of their creative abilities.
1-(800) 854-1359 » www.ancientnations.com
Claggett/Rey Gallery
Seen here is a 22k yellow gold, spiderweb Apache turquoise pendant with 18k gold chain by artist Bo Joe. “Cutting turquoise is one of my favorite parts of the creation process,” says the artist. “Over time, I’ve developed a relationship and respect with the stones. A mutual balance occurs between my abilities and the stone’s guidance in revealing its beauty and best potential.”
216 Main Street » suite C-100 » Edwards, CO 81632 » www.claggettrey.com
Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation
Cheryl M. Yestewa was born on the Hopi Reservation at Keams Canyon, Arizona, in 1958, and passed away in 2019. She was a self-taught artist. All of her jewelry is handmade, using the highest-quality materials. This featured necklace is made with Mintabie Australian opal, sugilite gel (deep grape jelly purple) and 18k gold. Her style is simple, elegant and transcending.
(401) 848-9888 » office@nithpo.net » www.nithpoart.com
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