Street Vendors of Unique Jewelry in Santa Fe, NM

Silver, Copper and Stone Jewelry Made by Native American Artisans

Dec 15, 2008

High quality one-of-kind earrings, pendants, bracelets and other jewelry are sold directly by the artisans near the city square in old downtown Santa Fe.

A wide variety of jewelry pieces is available for sale by Native American vendors in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pieces range from belt buckles to rings, pendants to beaded necklaces and earrings. Each artist generally focuses on one type of jewelry. Although each vendor has a discernable signature style, no two items are the same – even pairs of earrings are slightly different, which adds to the uniqueness of the jewelry.

The vendors are knowledgeable and friendly. They describe the unique background of each piece such as the discovery of a particular stone during a sunset hike or the significance of a particular jewelry-making technique. This knowledge adds to the significance of each piece. The vendors are also local travel guides. They are enthusiastic proponents of their home pueblos and will happily give directions and information for interesting day trips outside of Santa Fe.

The jewelry offered by vendors is simpler and more elegant compared to items offered for sale in most storefront boutiques. The prices are very reasonable – a pair of earrings range from $20 to $40, which is significantly less than a comparable item in a storefront boutique.

Eddie Pacheco, Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM

A simple teardrop-shaped pendant is of mottled green, grey and brown turquoise stone mounted in silver. The turquoise stone is honed and buffed and shows the subtle shading and natural indentations of the turquoise stone. The subdued silver mounting frames the semi-precious stone without detracting from its natural beauty. The simple but elegant lines of the piece allow it to be worn with a business suit or jeans and a jacket.

Marlene Bitsui, Espanola, NM

Hammered copper and turquoise drop earrings combine the sunset glow of copper and the deep sea green of turquoise. The hammered copper forms the setting and backdrop for the small turquoise stone. The hammering provides peaks and valleys from which light glints as the earrings move. The earrings will bring the warm glow of a Southwestern sunset to a simple day dress or an evening suit.

Donna and Joseph Nieto, Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM

Variegated turquoise stones are suspended from sterling silver ear wires in a pair of teardrop earrings. The stones are suspended directly from sterling silver ear wires. Coral, green and turquoise colors in the stones intertwine to evoke the memory of multihued desert cliffs. The simplicity and visual interest of the earrings will complement a variety of clothing styles.

Street vendors in Santa Fe offer unique and affordable jewelry for gifts and personal use. The jewelry is personalized because purchases are made directly from the artisan. It is an opportunity for visitors to support local craftsman in Santa Fe and to take home a bit of the American Southwest.

The copyright of the article Street Vendors of Unique Jewelry in Santa Fe, NM in Jewelry is owned by Linda Landon. Permission to republish Street Vendors of Unique Jewelry in Santa Fe, NM in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.