Our beautiful state of New Mexico is one of the very few places on earth where its native people still inhabit the same lands of their prehistoric ancestors.  New Mexico has within its boundaries 19 Indian pueblos and the Apache and Navajo reservations. The Navajo reservation which comprises over 2,000 square miles is located in the northwest corner of the state. The Jicarilla Apache Reservation and the Mescalero Apache Reservation are located respectively in northwest and south central New Mexico. The present day culture of New Mexico is greatly influenced by the ancient creative influences of its Native American artisans, crafts-people and silversmiths. Perhaps the best example of these influences can be seen in the wide variety of of  Native American jewelry which is proudly handcrafted by these indiginous people. Fine examples of sterling silver jewelry and turquoise jewelry are abundant. Sterling silver has been utilized in the making of Native American jewelry for hundreds of years. Discriminating collectors are delighted at the variety and quality of sterling silver turquoise jewelry that can be found in our Land of Enchantment.

The Navajo and Zuni tribes continue to be the primary jewelry makers in New Mexico. If you visit the Plaza of Santa Fe or Old Town Albuquerque, you will see first hand the finest selections of their jewelry making skills. Navajo jewelry is most often made with sterling silver, turquoise and other
precious and semi-precious stones. Zuni jewelry is best exemplified by the intricate and delicate inlays of many different stones and varieties of shell. Turquoise has predominately been the stone of choice by both the Navajo’s and Zuni’s in crafting their jewelry. However, in the past several decades more contemporary jewelry designs are evident using combinations of lapis, coral, opal, malachite, onyx and even many beautiful creations with 14 carat gold and diamonds.