Waddell Gallery, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, joins the excitement of SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market every August by featuring a pop-up jewelry showcase at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe. Owners Gene and Mike Waddell spend several months searching out the very best in Native American jewelry to bring to the show. This year, collectors will find around 250 high-end jewelry pieces to shop by 30-plus artists.
Harvey Begay (1939-2009, Navajo (Diné)), 14K gold necklace inlaid with high-grade Lone Mountain Turquoise, 17 in.
“These pieces come from commissioning works by the artists, working with private collections around the country and individual consignors,” explains Mike Waddell. “Being in the business for over 55 years has allowed us to create networks and relationships with collectors, galleries and museums around the country. These relationships allow us to have access to the best pieces as they come to the market. When you come to our show, you will see the best of the best.”
Top jewelers represented include like Charles Loloma, Jesse Monongya, Lee Yazzie, Raymond Yazzie, Charles Supplee, Don Supplee, Larry Golsh, James Little, Harvey Begay, Darryl Dean Begay, Vernon Haskie, Richard Chavez, Jared Chavez, Larry Vasquez, Boyd Tsosie, Herbert Taylor, Sonwai, Perry Shorty, Wes Willie, Carl and Irene Clark, Preston Monongye, Kenneth Begay, Julian Lovato and Mark Chee, among many others.
Lee Yazzie (Navajo (Diné)), Sterling silver bracelet inlaid with high-grade Lone Mountain Turquoise, coral and lapis, 15⁄8 x 27⁄8 in.
Preston Monongye (1927-1987, Hopi), Silver tufa cast Mudhead bracelet set with high-grade Lander Blue Turquoise, 1¾ x 25⁄8 in.
One of the pieces that will be available is Harvey Begay’s gold necklace inlaid with high-grade Lone Mountain turquoise. The Navajo artist, who passed away in 2009, was the son of renowned silversmith, Kenneth Begay. “He blends old and new to create contemporary designs in his jewelry,” says Waddell. “Harvey used designs such as Yeis; the Four Directions; First Man and First Woman; as well as other legendary figures. His feather patterns are inspired by an ancient Mimbres black-on-white pottery design, and he honors his father by recreating some of his designs.”
Also featured is Lee Yazzie’s (Navajo (Diné)) sterling silver bracelet inlaid with high-grade Lone Mountain turquoise, coral and lapis. “Lee is a perfectionist and it shows in this piece,” Waddell adds. “[Lee] draws on traditional Navajo elements, and with contemporary flair, combines 14-karat gold and sterling silver set with turquoise, coral, lapis and other gemstones as he designs each unique piece.”
Lee Yazzie (Navajo (Diné)), Sterling silver bolo set with high-grade Bisbee Turquoise and inlay of jet, 3½ x 2¼ in. Tapper to 17⁄16 in.
Preston Monongye (1927-1987, Hopi) is represented in a silver tufa-cast cuff. “Preston displayed his artistic ability in tufa casting to create this Koshari bracelet,” says Waddell. “He used high-grade Lander Blue turquoise making it even more special. He was an influential proponent of what he called ‘the new Indian art.’ He wrote, ‘We may use old techniques, along with old designs taken from potsherds or pictographs, but then we redesign them or add innovations of our own.’”
Head to the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi to see an abundance of inspiring jewelry pieces for sale, from August 12 through 16. A special opening will be held August 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. —
Waddell Gallery Jewelry Pop-Up
August 12-16, 2026
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi 113 Washington Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(480) 755-8080, www.waddellgallery.com
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