In today’s world of online shopping, especially across social media platforms, it can feel harder than ever to know who—and what—you can trust. One of the driving reasons behind the founding of Santa Fe Sun Handmade was simple: to create a space where customers could shop with confidence, knowing they are purchasing authentic, carefully sourced Native-made jewelry from a reliable and transparent business.

Tonya June Rafael is a celebrated Navajo (Diné) silversmith whose bold, intricate jewelry reflects both deep cultural roots and a striking contemporary voice. She is originally from the Blackwater/Prewitt area near Gallup, New Mexico, where she continues to live and work, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and traditions of the Southwest.

Paul Jameson is a Navajo silversmith whose work captures the heart and soul of a family tradition that has been passed down for generations. Born into the Jameson family, known throughout New Mexico for their exceptional silversmithing, Paul’s artistry is deeply rooted in both heritage and hands-on experience.

Ella Linkin is a Navajo artist whose jewelry reflects both deep cultural roots and a highly recognizable personal style. Born in 1954 in Gallup, she is a member of the Salt People Clan and born for the Water Edge Clan—an important aspect of identity within Navajo culture.

Among the many respected names in Native American jewelry, Vernon and Clarissa Hale stand out for their commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity. As Navajo silversmiths, their work reflects generations of skill passed down through family and community, rooted deeply in the artistic heritage of the Navajo Nation.

From the Author: I remember the hum of that road more than anything—the way our little Datsun seemed to glide along Route 66 in the early to mid-1970s. I’d sit in the back seat, vinyl warm from the sun, chin pressed to the window, watching the desert roll by in shades of dust, sage, and sky. Every so often, we’d slow down to pause at a roadside stand, to "stretch our legs" . Places that felt, to a kid, like magical portals to another world scattered along the highway. I d

Though it’s only March, wedding season is already on the horizon. Spring and summer calendars are beginning to fill, details are being finalized, and brides everywhere are searching for those meaningful finishing touches that make their day feel truly their own. There’s something timeless about wedding traditions—the borrowed, the old, the new. But “something blue”? That’s where modern brides are beginning to make it their own. This season, more brides are turning to turquois

When you’re shopping for turquoise jewelry, it’s easy to think in simple terms—blue or green. But once you start looking a little closer, you’ll notice something special: no two stones are ever quite the same.

At Santa Fe Sun Handmade, every piece of jewelry carries a story—of the stones used in creation, perhaps of the artist who made it, maybe the traditions it represents, and overall the care that goes into every detail. We are proud to offer authentic, handcrafted work, and just as importantly, we are committed to keeping our prices as reasonable and accessible as possible.

Santa Fe is unlike anywhere else in the United States. Beneath the adobe walls and winding streets lies a rhythm that has been moving through this landscape for centuries. To wander through Santa Fe is to step into a living tapestry of Native culture, art, and history.

Lily Yazzie is a Diné (Navajo) silversmith known for her beautifully handcrafted Navajo pearl jewelry. Her work reflects the long tradition of Navajo silverwork while continuing the artistic legacy of the well-known Yazzie family of jewelers.

Native American jewelry from the Pueblo communities of the Southwest reflects centuries of artistic tradition, cultural identity, and skilled craftsmanship. Among the artists contributing to this legacy is Cliffton Aguilar, a silversmith from Santo Domingo Pueblo (also known today as Kewa Pueblo) in New Mexico.

Among the many respected artists working in Native American jewelry today, Leander Tahe stands out for his powerful sterling-silver designs and dedication to traditional Navajo silversmithing techniques. Known for bold stampwork, repoussé designs, and heavy-gauge silver, Tahe has built a reputation for creating pieces that are both deeply rooted in tradition and strikingly contemporary.

This past weekend, our team had the pleasure of attending the incredible Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market at the renowned Heard Museum in Phoenix—and what an unforgettable experience it was.

In November 2025, the U.S. government quietly made a move that sent ripples through financial, industrial, and precious-metal circles: silver was officially added to the federal Critical Minerals List.

Gilbert Tom was a highly regarded Navajo silversmith celebrated for his masterful revival of old pawn–style jewelry. His work is instantly recognizable for its intricate stamp work, substantial heavy-gauge sterling silver, and the use of high-quality natural turquoise. Each piece reflects a deep respect for traditional Navajo silversmithing while showcasing Tom’s own disciplined, unmistakable hand.

Hallmarks play an important role in the story of Navajo jewelry. These small stamps—often initials, symbols, or simple marks—connect a finished piece back to the silversmith who created it and help collectors understand when and how a piece was made. While not all Navajo jewelry is hallmarked, the presence (or absence) of a hallmark can offer valuable insight into a piece’s history.

Desert pearls and Navajo pearls are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing. That said, it is absolutely okay to buy desert pearls, especially if authentic Navajo pearls are outside your budget. Understanding the difference simply helps shoppers make informed and respectful choices.

The trading post era marks one of the most important and formative chapters in Navajo jewelry history. Spanning roughly from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, this period shaped how Navajo jewelry was made, worn, and preserved. It also gave rise to what collectors today know as old pawn jewelry—pieces that carry both artistic and lived history.

In the world of Native American jewelry, few terms carry as much weight and reverence as old pawn. Even though we do not sell old pawn jewelry in our store, we believe it’s important to understand what it is, why it matters, and how it differs from modern pieces inspired by its look. Old pawn jewelry represents a deeply personal chapter in Native American history—one rooted in survival, craftsmanship, and lived experience rather than commercial production.