New mexico jewelry

New Mexico is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, and its jewelry is no exception. Here are some popular types of jewelry from New Mexico:

  1. Turquoise Jewelry: Turquoise is a staple in New Mexican jewelry, particularly in Native American and Hispanic cultures. You can find turquoise jewelry in various forms, such as pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets.
  2. Silverwork: New Mexico is famous for its silverwork, which dates back to the Spanish colonial era. Silverwork is a traditional craft that involves hammering and shaping silver into intricate designs, often featuring Native American and Hispanic motifs.
  3. Zuni Jewelry: The Zuni Pueblo is known for its exquisite jewelry, particularly its inlay work, which involves setting small pieces of stone, shell, and metal into intricate designs. Zuni jewelry is highly prized for its beauty and craftsmanship.
  4. Santo Domingo Jewelry: The Santo Domingo Pueblo is famous for its jewelry, which often features intricate designs and patterns. Santo Domingo jewelry is known for its use of turquoise, coral, and other stones.
  5. Hispanic Jewelry: New Mexico's Hispanic culture has a rich tradition of jewelry-making, which often features intricate designs and patterns inspired by Spanish and Mexican traditions.
  6. Native American Jewelry: New Mexico is home to 23 Native American pueblos, each with its own unique jewelry-making traditions. You can find jewelry featuring traditional Native American designs, such as the Navajo's use of silver and turquoise or the Apache's use of turquoise and coral.
  7. Gemstone Jewelry: New Mexico is known for its rich mineral deposits, including turquoise, opal, and coral. You can find jewelry featuring these gemstones, often set in silver or gold.

Some popular places to find New Mexico jewelry include:

  1. Santa Fe's Plaza of Santa Fe: This historic plaza is surrounded by shops and galleries featuring local jewelry makers.
  2. Albuquerque's Old Town: This charming historic district is home to many shops and galleries selling New Mexico jewelry.
  3. Taos: This artsy town is known for its jewelry makers and features many shops and galleries selling handmade jewelry.
  4. Native American Pueblos: Many of New Mexico's Native American pueblos have shops and galleries selling traditional jewelry, such as the Zuni Pueblo and the Santo Domingo Pueblo.
  5. Online Marketplaces: You can also find New Mexico jewelry online through marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, which feature handmade jewelry from local artisans.

When shopping for New Mexico jewelry, look for pieces that feature traditional designs, high-quality materials, and craftsmanship. Many local jewelry makers are happy to share the story behind their work, so be sure to ask about the inspiration and meaning behind the piece.