Treasures of the Southwest - Since 1995 Treasures of the Southwest
Since 1995

Who We Are

Treasures of the Southwest offers Authentic Native American Jewelry made in the American Southwest. We Travel the Highways and Byways to bring you the most fabulous sterling silver jewelry with Genuine Gemstones. You will receive a Certificate of Authenticity with your purchase and always free shipping and gift wrap.

Our Family has been in business since 1995. We specialize in customer service. We are always here to help you. Let us know if there is anything we can do to improve our products or service.

Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns. 702-454-4058. Thank you for shopping with us! Bob and Donna Bunnell

Authentic Native American Jewelry - Made in the USA

Native American Jewelry History & Traditions

Native American jewelry is a living tradition of artistry and culture that dates back thousands of years. From ancient beadwork to modern silversmithing, Native jewelry reflects the beauty, spirituality, and history of the American Southwest.

Ancient Origins of Native American Jewelry

Archaeological discoveries show that Native American Indian jewelry was worn in prehistoric times. Bead making is among the earliest forms of jewelry, with necklaces often called heishe (from the Santo Domingo word for “shell”). For over 1,000 years, seashells have been a vital part of jewelry and trade across the Southwest. Common materials include:

• Spiny Oyster Shell
• Mother of Pearl
• Abalone
• Conch
• Clam Shell

Silver Jewelry in Native American Culture

Silverwork is a more recent addition to Native American jewelry traditions. In the 1850s, Navajo blacksmiths learned silversmithing from Mexican artisans who traded silver for cattle. This led to the creation of bold new designs, including Navajo sand cast jewelry, one of the earliest silver techniques still in use today.

By 1872, Navajo silversmiths shared their skills with the Zuni, and later Zuni artists taught the Hopi by the 1890s. Each tribe adopted silverwork into its culture while creating distinct styles that remain highly collectible today.

Native American Jewelry Styles by Tribe

Zuni Jewelry

• Renowned for stone inlay techniques: mosaic, channel inlay, cluster, needlepoint, and petit point. • Uses turquoise, coral, shell, and jet in intricate, detailed patterns.

Navajo Jewelry

• Famous for bold silver designs and the Squash Blossom Necklace. • Features large turquoise and coral stones surrounded by silver scrolls, leaf motifs, and beads. • Today, the Navajo Nation is the largest producer of authentic Native American jewelry.

Hopi Jewelry

• Known for the overlay technique—cutting designs from silver sheets and soldering them for striking contrast. • Typically minimal use of stones, focusing on deep symbolism in silver patterns.

Santo Domingo Jewelry

• Among the oldest jewelry traditions, specializing in handmade heishi bead necklaces. • Crafted from turquoise, jet, shell, and coral. • Each bead is cut, drilled, and polished by hand—a single necklace can require hundreds of beads and weeks of work.

Materials & Techniques

Most authentic Native American jewelry is made with sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper), combined with turquoise and other natural stones. Jewelry-making skills are passed from generation to generation, preserving cultural heritage and artistry.

Hallmarks & Artist Signatures

In the past, jewelry was identified by tribe. Later, Native American artists began stamping their work with initials or symbols known as hallmarks. These marks, often handed down through families, connect each piece to its maker and enhance its authenticity and collectible value.

Treasures of the Southwest
At Treasures of the Southwest, we proudly feature authentic Native American jewelry created by Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Santo Domingo artists. Each piece reflects centuries of tradition, skill, and cultural pride—making every design a timeless work of art.