History of Navajo Concha (Concho) Belts

The concha belt is among the most striking products of the Navajo silversmith’s art. Conchas (shells) as they were known in New Mexico, were large, oval or circular, silver brooch-like ornaments. Some of the Mexican bridles had silver conchas on the head stalls. Old Mexican bridle conchas used floral and geometric patterns. Hence the decorative [...]

The Circle Of Life

Black elk (1863-1950) Oglala Sioux holy man… “You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round…The sky is round and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so [...]

Native American Theme Paintings by Georgia Artist Pat Calderone

If you haven’t seen Pat Calderone’s magnificent paintings that reflect the spirit of the Cherokee lands where she lives, then please view all of them.  She writes a story behind each piece.  Here are a few of her images … you can read their stories online.

Every Thing Is Relative

“Hear me, four quarters of the world – a relative I am!  Give me the strength to walk the soft earth, a relative to all that is!  Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand, that I may be like you.  With your power only can I face the winds.” …Black Elk/Oglala [...]

This Week’s Quote

“I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself.” Lone Man, late 19th century Teton Sioux

Discover Gaspeite-A Rare Green Beauty

Gaspeite is a rare semi-precious gemstone that has the most strikingly beautiful chartreuse to apple green color.  If you have never seen it, then you haven’t been shopping in places that sell Native American made jewelry.  Navajo silversmiths began using in their jewelry only a few years ago. Gaspeite is found in only two places [...]

Turquoise – Always in Style

The self-proclaimed world-renowned authority on color , Pantone has announced that turquoise is the color of the year for 2010! Pantone is in the business of inspiring design professionals with products, services and technology for colorful exploration and expression of creativity.  They eloquently describe turquoise as : “Combining the serene qualities of blue and the [...]

What Is The Real White Buffalo Turquoise?

Don’t Be Fooled By The Impostors! Many stones are called “white buffalo turquoise” and there is a lot of confusion as to what truly is a white turquoise. There is a widely quoted source that comes from the Miami Valley Mineral and Gem Club in their newsletter of January, 2002 Vol 48 #1. It relates [...]

Native American Cross Jewelry

The Diversity of Design in Indian Cross Jewelry Native American silversmiths make sterling silver crosses of many varied shapes and designs, usually set with stones that reflect all of nature’s color palette in shades of sky, earth, flora and sea. Crosses come in many shapes, but one that particularly reminds me of the southwest has [...]

Charmed By the Southwest

Did a 50 year old bracelet influence my path in life? This old charm bracelet of my mother’s is a jingly-jangly travelogue, mainly of her visits to Arizona in the 1950′s & ’60′s where my sister lived, and a short trip to Hawaii.  It has fascinated me since childhood. Mother was born in Montana.  Where [...]