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“Sandcast” is a term that is heard in the Native American Jewelry space. What does it mean? Primarily it refers to a method of making silver into shapes that can then be used for jewelry. Navajos, the Zuni, and the Hopi people are all famous for their silversmithing skills. The Spaniards first brought the concept of silversmithing to this continent, introduced it to the Mexicans, who showed the Navajos, who taught the Zuni, who passed it along to the Hopi, so that all three tribes were ma

She was a visionary, revolutionary, and fighter for justice. She was also an artist, craftswomen, mother, grandmother, mentor and inspiration. A learner, teacher, and innovator, all accomplished from the small town of Zuni, New Mexico where she was born in 1927. Effie Calavaza learned the art of silversmithing from her husband, Jaun. Effie was deeply influenced by her cultural heritage. In Zuni culture, snakes carry positive symbolisms are are associated with healing, rejuvenation, and transfor

In the 1960’s, a young man named Jaun Quezada Celado, a poor farmer living in the Casas Grandes region of Chihuahua Mexico, was gathering firewood near an old archeological site and stumbled across pottery fragments that, as a born artist, intrigued him. Between the years 1175 and 1400, the peoples of the Casas Grandes region were prolific potters. They were closely related to the Pueblos peoples of Arizona and New Mexico. For over 600 years, the tradition lay dormant. By the time Quezada

One of the things we discuss most frequently with our customers is, “what size bracelet should I order?” For anyone unfamiliar with wearing a cuff bracelet, this is a very good question indeed! Here is what we recommend: Holding your wrist straight, measure the exact circumference of your wrist, just at the point where it bends. Measure flush with your skin, not tight, not loose. The measurement, in inches, is the size you should order. A cuff bracelet should fit like a glove, or like a

In the heart of the Navajo Nation, where I grew up, there is a water tank out in the desert with these words painted big and bold on the side of it: Dibè èì ìina, which means, when translated: Sheep is Life. Sheep are an important part of Navajo Land and Navajo tradition, providing food, wool, and livelihood. People who rely on animals for sustenance develop a strong bond with them, and care for the animals deeply. When I was young, I remember asking my adoptive grandma, “what was the ha