Native American jewelry is not only visually stunning, but serves as a brilliant gift for those who value high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces. For our December/January issue, we’ve brought together some of the finest, most talented jewelers in the country, along with historic pieces offered by iconic shops and galleries. Shop throughout this section—full of variety and impressive craftsmanship—to find the perfect gift for the jewelry lover in your life, or take home a gem of your very own.
Tim Blueflint Ramel
Tim Blueflint Ramel is a citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Drawing inspiration from his familial stories, historical perspectives and life experiences, Ramel’s works are highly detailed, infused with care and creative passion. Beginning with the finest curated natural and gem quality stones, he combines and melds multiple art forms and techniques to further the evolution of his contemporary jewelry. Featured is a partial collection of assorted sterling silver and gold jewelry, adorned with a natural Black Web Gem, Carico Lake, Apache Blue, Copper Canyon turquoise and petrified caddis fly larvae in red jasper.
Clearlake Oaks, CA » (702) 497-7062 » www.timblueflint.com
Sandbar Trading
Seen here is a stunning bolo by Zuni artists Lee (1927-2015) and Mary (1934-1995) Weebothee. It measures at 31/2 inches long by 3 inches wide. There are 30 Sleeping Beauty turquoise stones encircling the polished shell, which is topped by gold encasing a single Sleeping Beauty stone. The handmade tips are 3 inches in length.
839 Paseo de Peralta, Suite K » Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 » (316) 655-7477 » rick@sandbartrading.com » sandbartrading.com
Winfield Trading
This stunning necklace by Zuni artist Harry Melikan, The Precious Metal Engineer, is made of sterling silver and turquoise, with a dash of mother of pearl and onyx. The center design is a traditional Zuni sunface, and is surrounded by turquoise Zuni needlepoint, which depicts rays of light. The chain length is 24 inches, and the pendant is 21/4 inches wide.
1830 State Highway 602 » Gallup, NM 87301 » (505) 778-5544 www.winfieldtradingco.com
Zefren-M
Ephraim Anderson or “Zefren-M” (Navajo (Diné)) is dedicated to capturing historical stories and archaeology through modern art, ensuring that ancient arts do not fade away into mere museum exhibits and books. His work focuses on teaching the next generation of Southwestern Indigenous artist about the lost history and techniques of their ancestors…Zefren-M uses his craft to create thought-provoking art and reintroduce wearable woven pieces to the market. Currently available is this sterling silver buckle, House of Bluebird Buckle No. 02, measuring at 3 by 21/2 by 5 inches.
info@zefren-m.com » www.zefren-m.com
Antique Native American Baskets
Terry Charlie, a Navajo silversmith since the early 1980s, learned the art from his famous grandfather, Platero. “This heavy, silver stamped, chased, repousse ‘steerhorn’ design is the most detailed example of his work we have seen,” says Antique Native American Baskets.
Sonoita, Arizona » www.antiquenabaskets.com
Long Ago and Far Away Native Arts
Denise Wallace is famous for her artistic interpretations of the people and animals of Arctic Alaska. In this pin/pendant, the hinged mask flips up to reveal the caribou’s spirit or “inua,” and is made of sterling silver, fossilized walrus tusk and lapis lazuli. The caribou are central to the culture of many Indigenous people in the North.
(802) 362-3435 » longago@sover.net » longagoandfaraway.com
Totem Design House
This exquisite 24k-gold domed bracelet, crafted by master Haida jeweler Jesse Brillon, showcases Haida crests: Shaman, Eagle, Kalga Jaad—a 10,000-year-old lineage name signifying a woman of high esteem—along with Raven and Shark. The bracelet features traditional repoussé (hammered from the back), chasing (hammered from the front), engraving and abalone shell inlay.
3250 Comox Road » Vancouver Island, BC, V9N3P8 Canada » www.totemdesignhouse.com
Jesse Robbins
Muscogee Creek jewelry artist Jesse Robbins presents this impressive piece titled Bisbee Bliss Cuff. “Heavy stamp and file work on this tufa cast coin silver ingot cuff, provides a perfect backdrop for the incredible Bisbee turquoise stone,” says the artist. Find the piece on the aritst’s website, along with additional information.
(928) 713-6847 » jesserobbinsaz@gmail.com » www.jesserobbinsjewelry.com
Medicine Man Gallery
Medicine Man Gallery offers this size 61/2, Hopi 14k gold and diamond Starblower Bracelet by Victor Coochwytewa (1922-2011). Diamonds are 180 total karats in weight, with the artist hallmark on verso and stems from a California collection.The owner inherited this piece from her mother, purchased between 2010 and 2012.
6872 E. Sunrise Drive, Suite 130 » Tucson, Arizona 85750 » (520) 722-7798 » www.medicinemangallery.com
BoOM Jewelry Designs
This elegant pendant, titled 4 Freedom, by Diné/Chicano silversmith Benny “BoOM” Gallegos, incorporates contemporary style with old-world design elements, and features his signature “freedom feathers.” The four feathers represent the sacred four directions, as well as the spirit of freedom BoOM strives to inspire through his art. The piece is 1 inch wide by 33/4 inches tall.
(970) 260-2016 » www.boomjewelrydesigns.com
Abby Kent Flythe Fine Art
This 18k-gold necklace features a mask motif with two diamond accents, a Lone Mountain turquoise on a link and cast feather chain. The piece was created by Hopi/French artist Charles Supplee, who apprenticed with master fine jeweler Peter Touraine, learning the art of diamond setting. The piece measures 24 inches long, and the mask measures at 21/4 by 2 inches.
info@abbykentflythefineart.com » abbykentflythefineart.com
Heard Museum Shop
Offered at the Heard Museum Shop in Phoenix is this pair of beautiful cuff bracelets by renowned Navajo artist Perry Shorty. He is an award-winning silversmith known for his hand-forged jewelry that reflects the classic early Navajo style of the 1940s.
2301 N. Central Avenue » Phoenix AZ, 85004 » (602) 252-8344 » www.heardmuseumshop.com
Denise Wallace
Jeweler and Alaskan Native, Denise Wallace, shares this stunning piece My Brother, The Seal. “I honor the seal in this mask design. I also honor the hunters who have continuously provided for their families and communities. The piece is made of sterling silver, gold and fossil walrus tusk, and the face measures at 4 by 33/4 inches.
denisehwallace@gmail.com » denisewallacejewelry.artspan.com/home
Territorial Indian Arts
These are contemporary inlay, wearable art pieces by three award winning Native American artists: Ervin Tsosie (Diné), who created the silver cuff They Come at Night; Irene and Carl Clark (Diné), with the silver pendant Yei in the Daytime; and Sonwai (Hopi) with the silver pendant Kachina Maiden. The pieces were purchased from the artists in the early 2000s, and they’re available again.
7100 E Main Street #3, » Scottsdale AZ 85251 » (480) 945-5432 » www.territorialindianarts.com
Palace Jewelers
At Palace Jewelers, collectors can discover the timeless beauty and cultural richness of the gallery’s vintage jewelry collection, crafted between 1880s and the 1940s. Each piece tells a story, handcrafted by Native Americans for their own use, reflecting authenticity and tradition unmatched in today’s market.
123 W. Palace Avenue » Santa Fe, NM 87501 » (505) 984-9859 » www.manitougalleries.com
Western Trading Post
This extraordinarily rare concho belt comes from renowned artist, Fred Peshlakai, who is not usually known for concho belts. It was featured in the book Navajo Silversmith Fred Peshlakai: His Life & Art by Steven Curtis. It also comes with documentation from the previous owners.
403 N. Florence Street » Casa Grande Arizona » (520) 426-7702 » www.westerntradingpost.com
Opichi by Robin Waynee
Artist Robin Waynee, with Opichi Fine Jewelry, presents this Lily Tahitian Cuff as part of the Woodland Lily Collection. It’s directly inspired by the beautiful, traditional beadwork designs of Waynee’s Saginawa Chippewa Tribe of Michigan. The cuff marries the traditional allure of gold, with the modern elements of its pearl centerpiece and diamond accents. “It’s everything beautiful about wearable art and truly one-of-a-kind jewelry,” Waynee says.
info@robinwayee.com » www.robinwaynee.com
Ca’Win Jimmy F. Calabaza
Santo Domingo Pueblo artist Jimmy F. Calabaza, also known as “Ca’Win,” created this necklace with 10 strands consisting of baby olive heishi, Kingman turquoise, coral, red and orange spiney oyster and black mother-of-pearl. The pendant/enhancer is sterling silver, Kingman turquoise and sterling stamped bead boarder. Creating timeless jewelry pieces have always been Ca’Win’s motivation, inspiration and vision.
(505) 490-5981 » cawin.calabaza@gmail.com » cawinart.com
Jack’s Antique
These sterling silver and coral needlepoint bracelets are by Kyle Wilson (Navajo), who is a young silversmith with a remarkable talent in crafting traditional cluster work jewelry. Each piece of Mediterranean coral is hand-cabbed to precisely fit every bezel cup. The bracelets are finished to a high polish.
4650 North US Highway 89, Suite G014 » Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 526-0696 » jack@jacksantique.com » jacksantique.com
Mudhead Gallery
Mudhead Gallery recently purchased a great collection of Hopi bracelets, buckles, bolos and rings, made by some of the most notable Hopi artists. Pictured here is an impressive bracelet acquired in this wonderful group, created by Hopi artist Michael Kabotie/Lomawywesa, and measuring at 7 inches.
1720 Wazee Street, Suite 1B » Denver, CO 80202 » mudheadgallery@icloud.com » www.mudheadgallery.com
Sissel’s
This beautiful bracelet showcases Sleeping Beauty turquoise and is vintage, Navajo made. Located in the heart of old downtown Santa Fe, Sissel’s has a huge inventory of hand-picked, quality Native American jewelry at affordable prices. In addition to jewelry, you can find pottery, katsina dolls, and Pendleton blankets as well. Call or email today for the perfect gift.
(505) 471-3499 » sales@sisselsjewelry.com » sisselsjewelry.com
Wheelwright Museum
This handmade silver beaded necklace with pendant, was made by Cochiti Pueblo artist Cippy CrazyHorse. Using Ingot silver, CrazyHorse created this piece in tribute to the late Kenneth Begay. CrazyHorse, who learned his techniques from his famed father Joe Quintana, employs many of the old methods while looking to the future.
704 Camino Lejo » Santa Fe, NM 87505 » (505) 982-4636 » www.wheelwright.org
Tanner’s Indian Arts
This one-of-a-kind bracelet by famous Diné jeweler Raymond C. Yazzie, was created around 1980. This hand-fabricated and filed sterling silver cuff bracelet features intricate inlay with hand-cut, high-grade, all-natural Newlander Royal Web gemstone.
237 W. Coal Avenue, Gallup » New Mexico, 87301 » (505) 863-6017 » tanneremerald@gmail.com » www.tannersindianarts.com
Lyndon B. Tsosie
Lyndon B. Tsosie has been designing and fabricating jewelry since the early 1990s. His style combines contemporary, three-dimensional shapes, masterfully cast designs and bold textures that portray landscapes. His pieces often incorporate sections that are cast in tufa stone or cuttlefish bone, and include asymmetrical designs using precious and semiprecious stones, and metals of the highest quality.
(505) 399-1894 » Instagram: the_house_of_Lyndon
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