3 Indigenous Jewelers To Know

During the middle of August, the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts holds the Santa Fe Indian Market where approximately 700 vendors and thousands of attendees converge on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We go every few years and find the most amazing handcrafted items from some of our favorites as well as new artists. It is always a fun weekend. The 2020 Market was virtual and you can still shop some of the vendors on the SWAIA website.

Maria Samora Studio

One of my most favorite jewelry designers. Maria’s work is contemporary and elegant. I have four necklaces that she created and they are my go-to choices for every day jewelry. Find her work on her website.

Joe and Valerie Calabaza

This simple turquoise necklace is a great accessory when I wear a white shirt and jeans. They also make dainty single strand and other combinations of multiple strand necklaces. Their work isn’t on the SWAIA website anymore, but here is their Facebook page and I found the necklaces online at Garlands.

Raynard Lalo

This beautiful lapis bead necklace is by Raynard Lalo from the Third Mesa village of Hotevilla in Arizona. It is a little longer at 22 inches in length and I love to wear it layered with gold necklaces. He also has beautiful traditional Hopi kachina carvings. Find his work on his website.