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Jewelry created in New Mexico reflects the state itself: a blend of cultures. Turquoise — “the sky stone,” as it’s called — has been mined here since prehistoric times and permeates traditional Native creations. Spanish and Mexican silver-working traditions and the influences of early tourists and trading post owners blend into today’s designs.
Pueblo and Navajo artists fashion striking and distinctive pieces with a variety of interpretations. Each community takes pride in its style and history of jewelry. For example, Santo Domingo Pueblo artists follow a centuries-old tradition of working shell and turquoise into heishi — small disc beads — for graceful strands of necklaces. Zuni Pueblo jewelers are known for intricate needlepoint or petit point — patterns made from massing many small stones — as well as carved animal figures knows as fetishes. They also excel in inlay and mosaic work.
Navajo jewelers favor silver pieces with stamped designs for accents and nuggets of turquoise in their work. Originally, Navajos used silver coins for material. Their famous squash-blossom necklaces feature round and fluted silver beads and a crescent-shaped pendant or naja — designs borrowed from the Moors and Mediterranean cultures and brought to New Mexico by the Spanish and Mexicans.
Visitors can find one-of-a-kind treasures all over the state. Native vendors sell their wares under the portal of the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe and in Old Town in Albuquerque. Pueblo feast days, the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial held each August in Gallup, and Indian Market in Santa Fe also offer prime shopping opportunities.
By purchasing direct from the artists, you’ll also take home the experience of meeting the talent and learning more about your treasure. The pawn shops in Gallup are true treasure troves of older, traditional jewelry; shops around the plazas in Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque’s Old Town offer traditional and contemporary styles. Museum gift shops and art galleries are other sources for New Mexican jewelry, as is the Pueblo Gift Shop at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.
You can purchase items with confidence that you are receiving an authentic piece of art made by a New Mexico Native American. A reputable salesperson will be happy to point out the identifying features of each piece.
Ancient peoples have long prized New Mexico’s native stone. Connect to time-honored designs and contemporary interpretations, and you could take home some pieces of New Mexico culture.
