Observations and Lessons

Posted by MRC on Feb 18th 2025

Observations and Lessons

I've spent a lifetime in and around the jewelry business. From the time I was born, I have always lived with a silversmith, first with my father, and now with my husband. Over the years, I have had many opportunities to watch, learn and absorb the process of creating and acquiring jewelry. Here are some things I've observed and learned:

Observation: People who decide quickly, love their jewelry the best and longestLesson: When selecting jewelry, go with your gut and choose from the heart.Observation: There is such a thing as “intrinsic value” which can have a baring on the worth of an item. Factors such as rarity of materials, quality and hardness of stone, age, craftmanship, design, all contribute to the overall value, worth and, of course, price, of a piece of jewelry. However, sometimes, regardless of all of the above, sometimes, you just love something. Lesson: If you resonate with a piece of jewelry, you love the look, style, and feel of it, if it makes you feel good, it’s priceless. Observation: Classic styles are classic for a reason. In the world of Southwestern Native jewelry, there have been designs that have remained constant over the last 100 years or so. Of course, there are always variations on the theme! Lesson: Art is a collaboration with the past. Observation: The more specific people are with a custom request to a jeweler, the less satisfied they are with the result. Lesson: Stay in your wheelhouse; leave the designing up to the artist. Observation: Jewelry is wearable art and it is important to most jewelers that the wearer is happy with the piece. Lesson: This is the caveat to the previous lesson: jewelers will work with you to get it right; together you can create a relationship that will be your go-to for celebrating special milestones, giving the perfect gift, and statement pieces that express who you are.

These are just a few things I’ve observed and learned through the years. Maybe you can relate, or maybe your experience is completely different! Either way, we have this in common: a love and appreciation for jewelry and the artists that create it.

 

Native Americans have been handcrafting jewelry since they first drew inspiration from their natural surroundings and transformed shell and stone into wearable jewelry. Some of the oldest discovered pieces date from over 10,000 years ago. The skilled artisans at Alltribes continue the age-old tradition and create captivating works of art that will surpass your expectations!

Alltribes is one of the rare jewelry stores that has a workshop employing Native American artists creating extraordinary pieces of jewelry. Other artists work from home or on the reservation. Alltribes Native American Art and Jewelry blends ancient history, natural beauty, and unparalleled expertise flawlessly. We are conveniently located near Scottsdale, Mesa and Phoenix, AZ in the charming town of Gilbert. Unfortunately we do not have enough staff to take walk in customers but would be more than happy to schedule an appointment to come by the shop and check out some items in person. We can also do curbside pickup if you note that during checkout.

Our Jewelry

The design and quality of our Silver and Turquoise jewelry are unmatched and stand far above the rest. Turquoise conveys a special meaning as it has for centuries and in populations across the globe. Turquoise signifies healing, spirit and good fortune. With masterful techniques, silversmiths and artists incorporate this semi-precious stone into beautiful and intricate designs, drawing customers from around the world.

You can own a piece of Native American artistry without spending a fortune. Alltribes provides deep discounts because we make most of our jewelry in house. Our in-house artists and silversmiths create custom pieces without the extra expenses.

Our Local History

Gilbert, AZ provides the ideal location for crafting our Native American jewelry. The Navajo and Hopi Indian tribes have inhabited nearby lands for many thousands of years. Their eternal respect for natural beauty and their innate talent shines through in every handcrafted work of art.

Our dazzling, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise comes from a nearby mine in Globe, AZ. This unique and exceedingly rare turquoise is renowned for its hardness, durability, and gorgeous color. Our artisans preserve the natural beauty of this precious stone, so you can admire its elegance for years to come. A hand buffed polish protects the stones and heightens its natural beauty.

Our Tradition

In addition to Native American jewelry, Alltribes upholds the ancient traditions of Native Americans by offering more than remarkable jewelry. We offer a wide variety of Native American Cultural Art including authentic Hopi Kachina dolls, pueblo pottery, Navajo Wool Rugs, hand-dyed leather belts, dreamcatchers, tomahawks and other Southwestern and Native American artifacts, to beautify your home and your life. It is our pleasure, to help spread knowledge about the Native American culture to the general public.

As part of our continuing effort to inform and inspire, we offer a vast array of in-depth knowledge for those who want to learn more about Native Americans and the Southwest. Our online knowledge center is free for all and includes some of the most interesting and complete information available online.

Alltribes has been serving our valued customers for over 50 years, so you can rest assured that when you have a question or concern, we'll be right here, ready to help. When you purchase something online today, you never know if the company will still be there, next week or next month.

Alltribes' reputation and longstanding experience ensure you get more than just jewelry – you get a wealth of seasoned knowledge and exceptional service…..that you can count on! We consider our customers to be part of our extended family and we're proud to say that our family now spans continents. We'd love to have you join us!

In addition to our local Native American products, we offer distinguished wares, sourced from Native American tribes across the U.S. Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and other Native American artists provide one-of-a-kind items that we proudly offer to you, at direct to you prices!

Alltribes is much more than just a manufacturer, store and knowledge center. We keep a jewelry workshop on site. If you want a custom design, our silversmiths will work with you to turn your dream into reality. Have an idea for something new? Talk with our artisans and discuss how to bring it to fruition. And should your beloved jewelry ever need to be repaired, we help with that, too.

Whether you're a Native American enthusiast, a collector, a designer or simply someone who loves beauty, Alltribes showcases a diverse collection of superior artifacts, sure to satisfy even the most selective customer.