December/January 2025 Edition

Gallery Previews
December 5-31, 2025 » Santa Fe, NM

Living Culture

Palace Jewelers at Manitou Galleries is known for its exceptional jewelry collection, presenting pieces by some of the most talented, contemporary Native American artists working today. For the gallery’s upcoming Holiday Jewelry Showcase, collectors will find fresh options for holiday gifting—whether it’s a treat for yourself, or the jewelry lover in your life.

Alvin Yellowhorse (Navajo (Diné)), inlay clam shell bracelet in sterling silver with turquoise, coral, sugilite, fossilized ivory and lapis

 

“Our Holiday Jewelry Showcase is a celebration of Native excellence—past, present and future,” says Tsali Hall, gallery director. “These artists are redefining what fine jewelry means in the modern world, transforming cultural heritage into wearable art that resonates across generations.”

More than an exhibition, the opening reception for the show, December 5 from 5 to 7 p.m., “invites collectors, connoisseurs and newcomers alike to experience jewelry as living culture—to meet the artists, hear their stories and witness how each piece carries both history and vision,” Hall adds. “With over 250 pieces available, ranging from museum-caliber masterworks to one-of-a-kind gifts, the showcase embodies the brilliance and diversity of Southwestern jewelry-making today.”

Wes Willie (Navajo (Diné)), bolo tie with inlaid ironwood, turquoise and ivory, set in sterling silver, paired with a hand-braided leather cord and silver tips

 

Examples include a dazzling bracelet by Alvin Yellowhorse (Navajo (Diné)), made with sterling silver and adorned with inlayed stones. “This bracelet has a clamshell look where the silver folds over the sides with a hand texture engraved design on the sides,” the artist explains. “The inlay stones consist of multiple colors; purple sugalite, red coral, turquoise, fossilized mammoth ivory, and an accent of 18-karat gold bars for texture. This bracelet, and others with the same type of stonework, is inspired by Charles Loloma, one of the greatest stone masters of his time.”

Yellowhorse is also known for creating other pieces like bolo ties, rings, buckles, key chains, money clips and complicated inlay repairs. “My styles are always evolving and are almost never the same design,” he says. “I really do love creating new things that no one has seen and is very difficult to do.”

Don Supplee (Hopi), sterling silver hand-fabricated necklace with double lightning bolt with inlays of turquoise and coral

 

Artist Wes Willie (Navajo (Diné)) showcases pieces that, to many, exemplify a modern architectural design. “Some say Art Deco,” Willie adds. “Whatever it is, I made these pieces from things I’ve seen throughout my life. To me, they are simple designs.”

For show items like his bolo tie made with inlaid ironwood, turquoise and ivory set in sterling silver—paired with a hand-braided leather cord and silver tips—he shares, “This started as a simple challenge by a buyer to make several bola ties from materials that would not break the bank. It’s made with low-cost pieces. No secrets or fairy tales!”

Jennifer Curtis (Navajo (Diné)), heavy-gauge 14K yellow gold with a split-shank design, and a single oval red coral cabochon at the center

 

The show, held at the gallery’s Santa Fe location, will close on December 31. The opening reception will be held alongside the opening for Manitou Galleries Small Works Show. 

“Join us for an evening where tradition meets innovation, and every piece reflects the enduring strength and creativity of Native American jewelry,” says Hall. —

December 5-31, 2025
Palace Jewelers at Manitou Galleries
123 W. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 984-9859, www.manitougalleries.com


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