5th Annual Native American Jewelry Show & Sale

Artisans Way, located at 18 Walden Street in Concord, will be hosting their fifth annual Native American Jewelry and Craft trunk show on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20. Sandia East, a jewelry company owned by Diane Whitman, has been involved in the Native American jewelry industry for over 30 years. Traveling to New Mexico several times per year, Diane hand-selects jewelry and stone fetishes from the Navajo, Zuni and Santo Domingo tribes. Each tribe creates jewelry in a distinctively unique style and hundreds of examples will be available at the show.

The collection will feature sterling silver bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings, all made in the tradition of the Navajo Nation. Navajo silver stamp work is rarely copied by other silversmiths as it is done using specialized tools and techniques. Traditional Navajo turquoise jewelry is admired worldwide and has become a major part of America’s heritage.

Zuni tribe members create three types of intricate jewelry: Petit Point jewelry, Needle Point jewelry, and Inlay jewelry. Earrings, bracelets and pendants featuring turquoise and other stone inlays will be available during the show. The Zuni are also known for their hand carved spiritual animal fetishes and there will be dozens to choose from in varied stones (Picasso marble, serpentine, jet, pipestone, fluorite, and turquoise to name a few) sourced from many artisans.

Natives of the Santo Domingo Pueblo create beaded heishi necklaces fashioned from local stones and shells. Santo Domingo artists are also well-known for their inlay work. Included in the trunk show collection will be works by Charlene Reano, an award- winning artisan from the Santo Domingo Pueblo who says that her inspiration stems from the jewelry worn during the traditional dances.

The pride and skill of these Native American artisans is evident in the superior quality and diversity of Sandia East’s collection. An opportunity to view and purchase from a representation this vast is not often found outside of Native American territory. The public is invited to this free event from 10am – 6pm on Saturday and 12pm – 5pm on Sunday. During the trunk show, all Native American jewelry purchases will be discounted by 10%. For additional information call (978)368-4400.