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CHAD’S BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY

In keeping up with tradition, every year we host an event of some sort to celebrate together. This year its a giveaway. Any purchases of $25 and over get entered in for a chance to win this Royston Thunderbird pendant. During this time we’ve also made our Heritage goods available.

- Entries open until saturday at midnight -

 
 

(Introducing)

Royston “DUEL” Ring

A simple but sturdy ring set with a premium piece of Royston turquoise mined in Nevada. These first edition rings will be the only of their kind to be stamped with our “1st” hallmark, setting them apart from any future restocks.

 
 

 
 

The Origins of The Thunderbird in southwest silversmithing

While there is no doubt that a bird is commonly depicted in prehistoric Southwest artifacts and attributed to Pueblo and Navajo mythology, its use in Southwest jewelry is not of organic origin.

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HERITAGE (ONE-OF-A-KIND)

Heirloom quality southwest goods made honoring 19th century tradition

THE COMMON TRADING POST

Genuine souvenirs of the Southwest either designed or curated by us.

SAINT PONCHO

Home goods made in Bosque Farms, NM by Josie Barela. Make your home a sanctuary.

 

 
 
 
 
 

Origin

Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico of mostly Spanish heritage I’m a second generation silversmith. My dad gave me my first torch and beginning tools from his collection. For decades, he worked for his brother-in-law's business “Sunwest Silver”, one of the largest names in turquoise jewelry today.

In 2014, I started making one-of-a-kind turquoise jewelry here in Albuquerque, NM. I wasn't very skilled but a profound appreciation began and that soon grew into an obsession of the craft and its history.

Land

Turquoise/Southwest jewelry might be what New Mexico is best known for. Gallup + Santa Fe + Albuquerque have been some of the most saturated cities in the business. The craft as we know it today began out of a collaboration between the Spanish and the Navajo in the mid to late 1800’s. The Spanish shared their metal-working knowledge with the Indians in exchange for livestock. As traveling became more and more prevalent with the development of the railroad, the industry saw a boom. Trading posts began to pop up along traveling routes as visitors continued to travel to the American Southwest.