| One of the most beautiful and unique states in the | | | | wide variety of artisan jewelry which is proudly |
| country is New Mexico, or as the locals like to call it, | | | | handcrafted by the local silversmiths. Fine examples of |
| the Land of Enchantment. The state is rich in | | | | sterling silver jewelry and authentic turquoise jewelry |
| Southwestern culture with a number of Native | | | | abundant. Sterling silver has been utilized in the making |
| American tribes of ancient origins. Within the state | | | | of Native American jewelry for hundreds of years. |
| there are different pueblo tribes along the Rio Grande | | | | Discriminating collectors are delighted at the variety |
| River as well as the handmade jewelry centers such | | | | and quality of sterling silver turquoise jewelry that can |
| as Santa Fe, Taos and Gallup. | | | | be found in our Land of Enchantment. |
| Our beautiful state of New Mexico is one of the very | | | | The Navajo and Zuni tribes continue to be the primary |
| few places on earth where its native people still inhabit | | | | jewelry makers in New Mexico. If you visit the Plaza |
| the same lands of their prehistoric ancestors. New | | | | of Santa Fe or Old Town Albuquerque, you will see |
| Mexico has within its boundaries 19 Indian pueblos and | | | | first hand the finest selections of their jewelry making |
| the Apache and Navajo reservations. The Navajo | | | | skills. Navajo jewelry is most often made with sterling |
| reservation which comprises over 2,000 square miles | | | | silver, turquoise and other precious and semi-precious |
| is located in the northwest corner of the state. The | | | | stones. Handcrafted jewelry is best exemplified by the |
| Jicarilla Apache Reservation and the Mescalero | | | | intricate and delicate inlays of many different stones |
| Apache Reservation are located respectively in | | | | and varieties of shell. Turquoise jewelry has |
| northwest and south central New Mexico. The present | | | | predominately been the stone of choice by both the |
| day culture of New Mexico is greatly influenced by the | | | | Navajo's and Zuni's in crafting their jewelry. However, |
| ancient creative influences of its Native American | | | | in the past several decades more contemporary |
| artisans, crafts-people and silversmiths. Perhaps the | | | | handmade silver jewelry designs are evident using |
| best example of these influences can be seen in the | | | | combinations of lapis, coral, onyx and opal, onyx. |