top of page


Understanding Old Pawn Jewelry: History, Craftsmanship, and Cultural Meaning
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.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
3 days ago3 min read


Artist Spotlight: Gregory Segura, Santa Fe Silversmith
Gregory Segura is an award-winning precious metals artist and a lifelong resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico. His work is widely recognized for its technical excellence, material integrity, and cultural depth, reflecting both his Spanish and Native American heritage as well as the long tradition of silversmithing in the Southwest.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
6 days ago2 min read


Spotlight on Artistry: The Timeless Work of Silversmith Don Lucas
Every piece of jewelry has a story, and few stories are as rich and inspiring as that of Don Lucas, one of the most respected names in Southwestern sterling silver jewelry.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Feb 82 min read


Artist Spotlight: Monica Smith, Navajo Artisan Silversmith
Behind every piece of authentic Native American jewelry is a story—of family, tradition, and hands that have learned their craft over generations. One of the artists we are honored to feature is Monica Smith, a Navajo silversmith whose work reflects both heritage and heart.
Monica Smith lives in Gallup, New Mexico, and is proudly Navajo. Her journey as a jewelry maker began at a remarkably young age.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Feb 72 min read


Learning to Recognize the Mythological Characters of Kachina Dolls
Each Kachina doll represents a distinct mythological character, and recognizing them comes from understanding the unique combinations of facial features, colors, clothing, and symbolic elements that define their role and personality.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Feb 54 min read


Understanding the Difference Between Navajo, Hopi, Pueblo, and Zuni Cultures
When shopping for authentic Native American jewelry, you’ll often see names like Navajo, Hopi, Pueblo, and Zuni. While these cultures share geographic ties to the American Southwest, they are distinct peoples with their own histories, traditions, languages, and artistic identities. Understanding these differences deepens appreciation for the jewelry itself—and honors the artists who create it.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Feb 43 min read


The Deep Meaning of the Zia Symbol in New Mexico
Few symbols are as instantly recognizable in New Mexico as the Zia. Seen on the state flag, architecture, pottery, and jewelry, the Zia has become an emblem of New Mexico itself. But long before it represented a place, the Zia symbol carried profound spiritual meaning—one that deserves respect and understanding.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Feb 13 min read


Why Buying Authentic Navajo & Native Sterling Silver and Turquoise Jewelry Matters
When you purchase authentic Navajo or Native-made sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, you are doing far more than buying something beautiful. You are investing in tradition, supporting a living artist, and helping ensure that centuries-old techniques continue into the future.
This jewelry is not mass-produced. It is wearable art.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 312 min read


The Palace of the Governors: A Timeless Heart of Santa Fe & a Living Marketplace for Native Artists
Nestled on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors stands as one of the oldest public buildings in the United States and a cherished symbol of the Southwest’s layered history. But long before it became a museum and National Historic Landmark, this adobe structure was the center of trade, cultural exchange, and community life in what would become New Mexico.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 303 min read


Eddie Secatero Jr.: Carrying Diné Silversmithing Forward
Eddie Secatero Jr. is a Diné silversmith whose work reflects both family tradition and personal dedication to craft. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eddie was introduced to silversmithing at a young age by his parents, Agnes and Eddie Secatero. Learning directly from family instilled not only technical skills, but also an understanding of jewelry as a meaningful cultural practice rather than a purely decorative art. While attending To’hajiilee Community School, Eddie continu

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 282 min read


Vincent Platero: Navajo Silversmith with a Singular Voice
Vincent Joe Platero, Sr. is a highly respected Navajo silversmith whose work is immediately recognizable for its precision, depth, and unmistakable personal style. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1957, Vincent grew up on the Navajo reservation of To’hajiilee, where silversmithing was not simply a craft, but a family legacy passed from one generation to the next.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 263 min read


Sunset, Cocktails, and a Classic Green Chile Cheeseburger at the Bell Tower
There are few places in Santa Fe where the day ends quite as beautifully as it does at the Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda on the Plaza. Perched above the historic heart of the city, the rooftop offers a front-row seat to one of northern New Mexico’s most memorable nightly rituals: the sunset.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 242 min read


Betty Tom: Navajo Silversmith Rooted in Tradition
Betty Tom is a Navajo silversmith known for her dedication to traditional cluster work—one of the most recognizable and technically demanding styles in Navajo jewelry. Born and raised in Thoreau, New Mexico, Betty’s life and artistry are deeply tied to her community, family, and the enduring silversmithing traditions of the Southwest.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 242 min read


Sunshine Reeves: Master Silversmith of the Navajo Tradition
Born in Twin Lakes, New Mexico in 1966, Daniel “Sunshine” Reeves was raised within a family of accomplished New Mexico silversmiths. He learned the art of silversmithing at the age of 24 from his older brothers, Gray Reeves and David Reeves—both respected artists in their own right. From this strong familial foundation, Sunshine Reeves went on to become one of the most distinguished and influential Navajo silversmiths in the country.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 212 min read


Ancient Cultural Pueblos & Cliff Dwellings of New Mexico
Long before modern borders or highways, the high desert of New Mexico was home to sophisticated Indigenous civilizations whose architectural skill, spiritual depth, and environmental knowledge still shape the region today. Scattered across mesas, canyons, and volcanic cliffs, ancient pueblos and cliff dwellings offer a powerful window into lives lived in balance with land and sky. Visiting these places is not just sightseeing—it is an encounter with resilience, ingenuity, and

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 193 min read


How Our Real-Time Inventory Works
We often receive questions asking whether a piece seen on our website is still available. The answer is simple:
If a piece is visible on our website and is not marked “Sold,” it is available for purchase.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 182 min read


The Silver Surge: Why Solar Panels and AI Are Sending Prices Skyrocketing
Silver is no longer just a precious metal associated with jewelry, coins, or heirloom objects. In 2025 and moving into 2026, it has become one of the most strategically important materials in the global economy. Prices have climbed sharply, and much of that momentum comes from two powerful forces reshaping the modern world: the rapid expansion of solar energy and the explosive growth of artificial intelligence.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 153 min read


The Taos Pueblo Art Show: Continuity, Voice, and Living Tradition
the-taos-pueblo-art-show-continuity-voice-and-living-tradition

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 113 min read


Artist Highlight: Preston Haley
Preston Haley is a Navajo (Diné) silversmith whose work is widely appreciated for its strength, balance, and respect for traditional craftsmanship. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Haley comes from a family of silversmiths, where jewelry-making knowledge is passed down through close observation, shared experience, and years of hands-on practice. This family foundation continues to shape both his technique and his approach to design.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 61 min read


Navajo Pearls: The Foundation of Every Jewelry Collection
Some pieces are accents. Others are anchors. Navajo Pearls belong firmly in the latter category.
For collectors of Native American jewelry, Navajo Pearls are not a trend or an occasional indulgence—they are a foundation. The quiet constant that grounds bolder pieces, elevates everyday wear, and grows more meaningful with time. Whether worn alone or layered with pendants and treasures gathered over years, they are the starting point of a thoughtful collection.

Santa Fe Sun Handmade
Jan 33 min read
bottom of page
