JEWELRY

Click on the photograph for an enlarged view.

     This traditional Santo Domingo turquoise necklace is strung with large flattened and polished disks of turquoise that are the same size along the entire length of the piece. Three large cylinders are spaced evenly at the center and sides. Each large cylindrical barrel bead is inlayed with stones of clam shell, orange, red, and purple spiny oyster shell, pipestone, serpentine, jet, apple coral and white and golden mother of pearl in a random mosaic pattern. Each bead measures 1 1/4" x 1"wide with a total necklace length of 20”

#JEW7106 - 20" Long
Price: $310 SOLD

      Percy and Charlotte Reano are married with 6 children and many grandchildren. They are very well known for their inlay work done on shells. With the Reanos it is truly a family affair. Percy cuts the materials, grinds the shells, and does most the silver inlay and backings. Charlotte does all the pattern and gluing work. They taught their children these skills so they can be part of the family process of jewelry making. The Reano's parents also did inlay work and sold the old Thunderbird necklaces at the train station during the depression and WWII.
      These spiny oyster shell earrings with turquoise and jet mosaic on the top are wonderful. They can be worn every day.

JEW2105 -
A) orange spiny oyster shell mosaic earrings - 1 1/2" long
Price: $45
B) purple spiny oyster shell mosaic earrings - 1 1/2" long
Price: $45

     Louise Pete makes beautiful dangle slab earrings from red and orange spiny oyster and then inlays them on the bottom with sleeping beauty turquoise. Here are two examples.

#JEW994 -
A) Orange tear drop shape
Price: $33
B) Red rectangular shape
Price: $ 33

      Navajo artist Daniel Reeves, also known as "Sunshine Reeves" was born in 1966 in New Mexico. Sunshine Reeves' older brothers, Gray Reeves and David Reeves, taught him the craft of silversmithing. He is a world-renowned artist, taking several 'Best of Show' awards and 1st place ribbons at the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial held in New Mexico each year. He is a master in the traditional art of using handmade stamps to cover his heavy sterling pieces with intricate designs. His work extends beyond jewelry into sterling silver boxes, lamps, picture frames, and even yoyos.
      His jewelry is also showcased at the Peabody Museum, Harvard University, and the Heard Museum. He stamps his work D. Reeves or Sunshine Reeves. An exquisitely stamped silver tea set and a handmade sterling silver stamped train have earned Sunshine "Best of Show" for two years at Santa Fe Indian Market. Here are several examples of his hand stamped seed pots.

#JEW1084 -
A) Feather Pattern - 3/4" high by 1 1/4" wide
Price: $150 SOLD
B) Star Pattern 5/8" high by 1 1/4" wide
Price: $150 SOLD

     This necklace set is such a classic set, in the traditional Petti Point style. The coral is beautiful, the style is gorgeous, and the set is elegant.

#JEW12935 - Sterling Silver Petti Point Necklace and Earrings set with Coral
Necklace - 17" long
Earrings - 1/2" x 1/2"
$495 for the necklace and earrings

     I have been working with Kenneth for many years now. His brother Eddie was the designer of our hand pulled sterling silver chains. Sadly, he died recently. But Kenneth is known for his phenomenal stone work. He studied at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe from 1967 - 1971 and has been making jewelry for over 30 years. He learned the art of jewelry making from his mother, Ventura Aguilar. He and his wife, Angie Crispin create these wonderful necklaces together.
     This four strand, 24" long necklace is made of abalone shell and orange spiny oyster shell. The shell of the abalone is exceptionally strong and is made of microscopic calcium carbonate tiles stacked like bricks. The abalone has a shimmery silvery green tint. Used in combination with the bright orange spiny oyster, Kenneth has made an outstanding, unique necklace. Every stone is separated by a small olive shell Heishi bead. It is beautiful work.

JEW17101- 24" long
Price: $800

     This is a four strand jet necklace with sleeping beauty turquoise beads, serpentine, orange, red, and purple spiny oyster beads, lapis and green Nevada turquoise.  The rainbow of colors Kenny has used interspersed at random on the black jet is strikingly attractive.

JEW17102- 19" long
Price: $600 SOLD

     WOW ! Bright and vivid greens ! This three strand necklace is made from Nevada green turquoise and lime green serpentine.  Most green American Turquoise comes from Nevada. The “Hay Days” for mining Nevada Green Turquoise were from 1940-1990. Due to mining restrictions and the cost of mining most all mining of Nevada Green Turquoise has ceased and very little Nevada Green Turquoise is being mined. Serpentine stone comes in staggering variety of colors. The variations in color is the result of varied mineral infusions in the stone. The name has been derived from the color and appearances of the stone which resembles the skin of a serpent. These two green stones, when used in alternating placement on this necklace is simply gorgeous.

JEW17103- 19" long
Price: $400

     Stunning ! This Nevada green 18" necklace is comprised of four strands of turquoise stones with a light green Heishi bead between each nugget, The green is so deep and rich. It is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Kenneth has skillfully designed this vivid piece for everyday wear.

JEW17104- 18" long
Price: $400 SOLD

     Here are three new pair of turquoise earring by Kenneth and Angie, Two of them are made from Kingman turquoise.The Kingman mine in northwestern Arizona is one of the largest turquoise mines in the southwest. Kingman blue has become a color standard in the industry. The mine became famous for its rounded bright blue nuggets with black matrix. Few turquoise mines produced nuggets, especially of this high grade. Natural Kingman is highly collectible.   

JEW17105 -
A) 3/4" long Kingman turquoise slabs
Price: $40
B) 3/4" long Sleeping Beauty and purple spiny oyster dangles
Price: $40
C) 2" long oval Kingman turquoise slab dangles
Price: $80

     Jimmie Harrison is an award-winning Navajo jeweler who studied painting at the Del Debbio School in Paris, France. After returning home to New Mexico, he worked with the famous jeweler Preston Monongye, and began creating his own well-known intricate inlay pieces of art. Jimmie often uses his favorite designs of Yei bi chai figures, landscapes of the Navajo Reservation, and the night stars. His inlaid work is very elegant.
     Jimmie does some of the most uniquely shaped and designed inlay earrings. His striking color combinations are quickly identifiable as JIMMIE HARRISON creations! combinations of sujilite, dark lapis, coral and veined turquoises always make for interesting work.

#JEW1103 -
Turquoise, Lapis and Sujilite Earrings 3/4" long by 3/4" wide
Price: $150

     This antique looking sterling silver necklace and earring set is a beautiful example of the fine silversmith work that Robert Johnson makes. Here he has nine floral petals attached to silver beads. Each one has a red spiny oyster shell stone in it, and the earrings are made to match. The necklace is 18" long and the earrings are 1 1/2" long. It is lightweight and easy to wear. It is signed RJ on the backside of the largest petal in the center.

#JEW2107 -
Price: $270 for the set

     Myron Panteah is an award winning Zuni/Navajo silver and goldsmith who has studied engineering, which is reflected in his eye for exacting detail. He enjoys the design element of creating jewelry and is always trying something different. His imagination is unlimited and the uniqueness and beauty of his art is truly remarkable. All his exquisite pieces of jewelry are unique, often intricately decorated with symbols and figures using a fine hand saw. He works in both silver and gold and selects unusual, natural stones of high quality.

JEW973 -
A) 3/4" high earrings with gold spiral
Price: $135
B) 3/4" high earrings with gold curves and dots
Price: $135

     Many people have asked for nicely silver stamped Navajo earrings. Ella does a lovely job on hers.

JEW1161 - 3/4" wide
Price: $40

     Lawrence Baca is an award winning silversmith from Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has become one of the most collected silver artists in the region. Lawrence has been influenced by both antique Native American and Spanish silver work. His jewelry maintains a look reminiscent of the period of the Spanish conquistadors in Santa Fe. He seems to be able to combine the look of the early Native American silversmiths and the ecclesiastical themes of the early Spanish settlers. The Spanish Colonial Arts Society has purchased pieces to become part of their permanent collection at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe.
     I met Lawrence and his wife Maria in 1997, when he won the Purchase Award at the Fine Arts Museum in Colorado Springs. I have been carrying his work ever since. ŒLawrence entered Spanish Market in Santa Fe for the first time in 1992, winning first place that year in the precious metals category for traditional silver work. Lawrence has said, "Anybody can learn the techniques if they practice long enough and take the right courses. Having the gift of design is what's very nice. Although my Hispanic roots reach back generations in Santa Fe, I didn't have much exposure to traditional Hispanic art growing up. I was first attracted to "Old Pawn" jewelry created by Native Americans. In my work, I try to create contemporary antiques having the comfortable feeling of family heirlooms."
Recognitions: 1994 Spanish Market - 1st Place Metals Purchase Award; 1995 Spanish Market - Purchase Award, 1996 Spanish Market - 1st Place Mixed Media; 1996 NM State Fair - Honorable Mention 1996 "Mayor's Excellence in Arts Award" Emerging Artist, City of Santa Fe Commission, 1997 1st Annual Indian/Spanish Market - Purchase Award; Taylor Museum, Colorado Fine Arts Market - E Boyd Memorial Award.
     So many of my clients collect more than one strand of Lawrence Baca's silver beads, and combine various lengths. This is a stunning 18" necklace with large 16 mm oxidized silver beads. GORGEOUS !

#JEW7108 - 18" long
Price: $450

     This is a lovely, long, 4 strand Heishi necklace by Santo Domingo jeweler Robert Coriz. Composed of shell, turquoise, and lapis, it is 28" in length. It is an interesting color combination, especially since the light colored shell is featured.

#JEW695 - 28" Long
Price: $150

     Wow ! Phyllis uses such beautiful colors in her work. Turquoise, orange spiny oyster, purple spiny oyster, pearl, and various shells. This pin/pendant can be worn on its own as a pin, or can be strung on a silver chain. The pin is 1" across and the matching earrings are 3/4" across.

JEW2102 -
A) Earrings
Price: $159 SOLD
B) Pin/Pendant
Price: $117

     Known for her corn maidens, Sandra makes gorgeous reversible dangle earrings with that motif. Here are two pair - one in green turquoise with coral dots for the mouth, and one in ivory with turquoise dots on one side, and coral dots on the other. They are delightful!

JEW1166 -
A) 1 1/4" green turquoise earrings
Price: $105
B) 1 1/4" fossilized ivory earrings
Price: $120 SOLD

           Kee Yazzie is a talented young Navajo silversmith. His silver and gold jewelry is innovative and original. He uses only natural, fine turquoise gemstones including rare Lander Blue turquoise, Bisbee turquoise, and Lone Mountain turquoise. He also like working with high grade coral. Kee's jewelry is currently being featured at The American Museum of Natural History in NYC.     
      Kee has translated ancient petroglyphs into contemporary bracelets. His overlay work in sterling silver and gold recreates the stone-pecked pictures--transforming rock art to wearable art. With hundreds of small, precise cuts of a jewelry saw, his miniature reproductions of the petroglyphs give the illusion of a mosaic of metal. Kee's background in architectural design has undoubtedly enhanced his natural gift for balance.

JEW5104 -
A) Double Sided Sterling Silver Pendant
Kee’s silverwork is featured here in this beautiful round pendant. Rather simple and elegant, the stylized spiral stands out in a bold pattern. The backside depicts four directional symbols, dotted spirals and a dragonfly motif.
2 ½” long (from the bale to the bottom) by 1 ½” wide
Price: $250 SOLD
B) Sterling Silver tooled Spiral Earrings on French Wire
1 ½” long by 1 ½” wide
Price: $140 SOLD

JEW5105 -
A) This rectangular pendant is beautiful with the movement he creates from the polished flowing silver curves set against the background of stamped and textured areas. A lovely coral stone is embedded in the top portion of the pendant.
2 ½” long (from bale to bottom) 1 1/8” wide
Price: $250
B) Triangular Sterling Silver earrings on French Wire
1 ½” long
Price: $130 SOLD

     Using a light blue sleeping beauty turquoise, here is a delicate interpretation of the old style silver/turquoise squash blossom

JEW12529 - Navajo contemporary turquoise necklace
17" Long
Price: $208

     Orange is THE color right now... and these spiny oyster earrings are terrific.

JEW583 -
A) 1" long cobblestone triangular and round spiny bead earrings
Price: $45
B) 1 1/4" long dangle 5 spiny oyster stone earrings
Price: $110 SOLD
C) 1/2" long diamond shaped cobblestone spiny earrings
Price: $36

     Beaded bracelets are so in vogue right now. A splash of color on the wrist is very appealing, So here are some new bracelets that are so reasonably priced and show off great stones and colors.

JEW1102 -
A) Single strand mixed stones - 7 1/2" wide
Price: $69 SOLD
B) Double Strand mixed stones - 7 1/2" wide
Price: $59
C) Malachite and jet - 7 1/2" wide
Price: $44
D) Apple Coral - 7 1/2" wide
Price: $46

     There is something very traditional, yet contemporary about these beautiful spiny oyster beads. After every five spiny beads, an oxidized silver ball is placed. At the bottom of the necklace an attached marbled orange agate ball. It is quite stunning and very unique.

JEW1105 -
19" turquoise necklace
Price: $297 SOLD

     This is a gorgeous five strand green turquoise and Chinese turquoise square cut bead necklace. The blue and green combination is vivid and elegant.

JEW1105 -
18" long spiny/agate necklace
Price: $297 SOLD

     This is a 17" traditional style silver bead and Lapis necklace with seven lapis stones and matching earrings. The earrings are 3/4" dangles Lapis lazuli is a relatively rare, semi-precious stone that is prized since antiquity for its intense blue color. It was formerly made into vases and bowls and has been used from ancient times for beads and small ornaments. It was also extensively used in mosaics and was the sapphire of the ancients.

JEW719 - 17" necklace with matching earrings
Price: $225

     Here are two lovely pair of turquoise earrings in two completely different styles. The turquoise disc dangles are Santo Domingo, made by Emory Calabaza, and the other is a Zuni needle point floral pair, with a post backing. Both are beautiful !

JEW584 -
A) Santo Domingo dangles - 2" long
Price: $58.50
B) Zuni needle point earrings with sterling silver tips - 1 1/4" across
Price: $110 SOLD

     Joe and Mary Calabaza, specialize in Super fine Heishi necklaces. They learned to make fine heishi from their grandfather, Patricio Calabaza. "He taught us how to take a simple piece of turquoise, mold it, and create a beautiful necklace. We started making our necklaces with a little heavier texture from turquoise, lapis, shells, coral, and other various stones, As years progressed, and over a long period of time and patience, we learned how to grind our stone to a finer quality.
     Each piece of necklace has its own special unique quality behind it. We take a lot of pride and joy into our work. This type of art work has been passed down for many generations as we continue to pass it down to our children and grandchildren. It is important to us that we keep our art work alive, because not only does it bring us joy, but it is a part of who we are."
     I was introduced to Joe and Mary by Russell Sanchez. He has been using their superfine heishi in his pottery, and it is just amazingly well crafted and beautiful. I am so pleased to add their work to our gallery. There are so few Santo Domingo jewelers who still hand drill each stone to create such a piece of beauty.
     Oh - what a deep and beautiful, rich red Italian Coral. Stunning worn on black, or beige, this four strand, coral and turquoise nugget necklace is so comfortable around the neck -- not heavy at all. What beautiful work by Joe and Mary!

#JEW0903 -26" - 30" expandable 4 Strand necklace
Price: $650

     This is a lovely mosaic inlayed pendant on a 16" strand of jet black Heishi shell.The pendant is comprised of spiny oyster, turquoise, jet, and pearl. It looks beautiful on the black Heishi but could be worn on a silver chain, or collar as well. Two pieces for the price of one ! A Heishi necklace AND a pendant.

JEW1106 -
16" necklace and pendant (1 1/2" long)
Price: $150

     These colors are magnificent. Dark brown shell Heishi has been scattered with light blue turquoise. Cut so fine -- it is a fantastic necklace. This necklace is so lightweight to wear.

#JEW261 - 10 strand; 20" long
Price: $450

     Wilbert Calabaza has strung a magnificent 10 strand super fine Heishi necklace of purple spiny oyster shell mixed with sleeping beauty turquoise. It is 24" long/ Louise Pete compliments that necklace with her shell earrings.(2" long) They look great together.

JEW#782 -
A) Heishi necklace
Price: $390
B) Shell earrings
Price: $36 SOLD

     Wow! Look at he craftsmanship on this incredible necklace. Like the work of Joe and Mary Calabaza, this is considered SUPERFINE Heishi work. Hand carved, and hand strung, the choices of color on this piece is fabulous. This brown lyp oyster shell and turquoise Heishi necklace is an adjustable 24" - 27" long, and it is composed of TEN strands of this beautiful beadwork. It doesn't get better than this!

JEW#783 -
Price: $390

     I thought these were very nice designed silver pieces with beautiful green malachite.

JEW12834 -
A) Rosella Sandoval (Apache)
Malachite and Twisted Silver earrings
1" long
Price: $44
B) Bonnie Sandoval (Navajo)
Malachite and Pearl Dangles
1 1/2" long
Price: $59

     If there is someone out there that loves ORANGE - this is the set for you ! WOW.. Using the contrasting dark and light spiny oyster shell makes this set so striking and special. The three piece group is comprised of: 17" sterling silver and spiny oyster disks and beads, a pendant that is 2" long and 1 1/2" wide, and gorgeous earrings that are 1 1/2" long and wide. This is just remarkably stunning.

JEW2103 -
Price: $795 for the set

     These new earrings use such beautiful color combinations. The dangles from Dean have the turquoise, stamped silver, and orange spiny oyster. The diamond shaped dangles from Alto have the turquoise and sponge coral in them. Very nice work !

JEW1101 -
A) Dean Sandoval drop earrings - 2 1/4"long
Price: $126 SOLD
B) Alta Sandoval earrings - 1 3/4" long
Price: $116

     Sharon Sandoval is a magnificent silversmith. She learned the art of silversmithing in her early 20's. She was trained to be a nurse, but now married, with three children, she makes her full time living as a jeweler. Her use of color is extraordinary.
Here are two of her newest cuff bracelets with sterling silver and magnificent stone work.

JEW763 -
A) cuff with veracite, dark lapis, light denim lapis, and red coral
Price: $350 SOLD
B) cuff with pink coral, orange spiny oyster, turquoise and veracite
Price: $350 SOLD

both bracelets are about 4 1/2" around (measured around the inside of the silver cuff)

     Alice Slagle lives in New Mexico and has been around jewelry most of her life. She has been working as a sales assistant at a jewelry center since 1988. In August of 2006, she began working part time at Silver Sun Jewelry. She now enjoys making necklaces for them. She does her work at her home in To'hajiilee during evenings and weekends. She likes the creativity involved in working with both single and multi strands of different colored beads, and mixing them with sterling silver. It is a pleasure to show her work.

JEW#884 - This necklace is 24" long with silver beads separating al the multi color stones, and the earrings to match are 1" long
Price: $199 for the set

    Kathy Sanchez uses very beautiful stones in her earrings. Here are two pair -- one with three turquoise and one with three pieces of lapis. Nice, everyday earrings - 1" long - Reasonable and well made

#JEW474 -
A) Turquoise -
Price: $80
B) Lapis -
Price: $80 SOLD

     The two pins can also be used as pendants, as they each have a bale on the top. They are bright, and beautiful, and very much in vogue right now.

#JEW7501 -
A) Small Turquoise circle pin - 1 1/4" across
Price: $55 SOLD
B) Coral. Turquoise pin - 1 3/4" wide by 1" high
Price: $105

     Petroglyphs are such a popular image in Native American Culture. Here are two pins that display those styles.

JEW1165 -
A) Lon Parker Petroglyph Single Figure 2 1/2" long
Price: $135
B) Navajo Petroglyph stamped Family Pin 1" high by 1 1/2 " wide
Price: $60 SOLD

     We like interesting color combinations in the Native jewelry, and these two pair of earrings show just that visual interest. The round pair is made with black hematite and then circular inlay of turquoise. The rectangular dangles are orange spiny oyster shell and beautiful light blue turquoise. Well made, and nicely shaped, both pair of earrings are lovely.

JEW398 -
A) spiny oyster and turquoise dangles - 1" long
Price: $90
B) round turquoise/hematite - 1/2" wide
Price: $65 SOLD

     These new Navajo made earrings both use beautiful green veracite. This stone work so well with black onyx and pearls. Both pair have sterling silver post backs. The onyx pair has nice silver roping around the stones, and the pearl pair has a more modern look. They are both about 1 1/2" long.

#JEW1263 -
A) veracite and black onyx
Price: $66
B) veracite and pearl
Price: $66 SOLD

     These two dragonfly pins are beautiful. The multi inlaid stones of coral and turquoise and mother of pearl was made in Zuni. It is 1 3/4" long. The 7 stone turquoise pin is Navajo made - It is 2 1/4" long and 2 1/4" wide. The shade of blue in this piece is very bright and dynamic.

#JEW264 -
A) Zuni Multi Color Pin
Price: $87
B) Navajo 7 Stone Pin
Price: $159 SOLD

     Here are three more beautiful pins that can also be worn as pendants. Beautiful turquoise and coral!

#JEW7502 -
A) Turquoise Star Burst Cluster Pin - 1 1/4" across
Price:$50
B) Coral Star Burst Cluster Pin - 1 1/4' across
Price:$50
C) Turquoise Round Cluster Pin - 1 1/4" across
Price: $50

     So many women wear these wonderful sterling silver beads. These are often referred to as Navajo Pearls. They are polished, sterling silver beads. The beads are hollow to reduce the weight, and mounted on "foxtail" for added safety.
      These beads are beautiful worn as is, or they are perfect for adding some colorful or silver pendants.

#JEW1104 -
16" Margaret Lee round / rectangular beads
Price: $159

     Some of the spiny oyster shell being used in the various Pueblos right now is absolutely stunning. Spiny oyster is a sea oyster whose name is derived from its relatively fierce appearance. Most oysters have rather drab, smooth shells. But not the colorful spiny oyster. It has several thick protrusions on the outer surface of its shell (think porcupine here). The colors can run the spectrum from bright yellow to deep purple with a range of burnt oranges and russet reds in between.
     Here are two pair of earrings and one magnificent pin. The mosaic earrings are by Mary and Joe Calabaza (Santo Domingo) They are 1 3/4" long. The pin, in the center is by Navajo artist Kirk Bahe - TEN pieces of spiny oyster are embedded in this traditional silver brooch. The smaller earrings, with a silver bead in the center, are 3/4" long.

#JEW356 -
A) Mosaic Earrings Price: $90
B) Spiny oyster pin Price: $160
C) Spiny drop earrings Price: $36 SOLD