David Rosales Ironwood Inlaid Sterling Silver Earrings Leaf w/ Smoky Topaz

David Rosales, is one of the most respected contemporary jewelry designers working today. In 1997, he co-founded Supersmith Inc., bringing together a team of highly skilled Native American silversmiths and inlay artists to produce bold, fashion-forward designs that still honor deep cultural traditions.

David is known for his innovative use of stone combinations, blending materials like turquoise, sugilite, opal, lapis, black jade, and coral into intricate inlay patterns. His commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge style has helped shape the identity of David Rosales Designs, a premier Native jewelry brand recognized nationwide.

Today, his daughter Sheree Rosales Wright continues the legacy, leading Supersmith with both creative and operational oversight. Sheree has brought a fresh, modern perspective to the company while preserving its artistic integrity and commitment to Native artisan production.

Together, the Rosales family has elevated Native American jewelry to new heights—combining tradition with innovation, and empowering a team of Native artists whose work reflects pride, heritage, and excellence.

His work has been featured all over the country including Caesar's Palace, In-Style Magazine, Cowboy and Indian Magazine, Niche Magazine, Native People Magazine and has been seen on the Alley McBeal Show.

David has “handpicked” many of the talented Navajo and Zuni silver and goldsmiths that create each piece of jewelry by hand. Supersmith strives to exceed expectations of designs and quality in beautiful, wearable art. All David Rosales jewelry designs can be ordered in any stone color combination listed and/or in White Gold or 14K gold. Special order pricing will be provided upon request. All pieces are also available in your choices of raised cobble inlay or smooth inlay.

Black Jade in Native American Jewelry

Black Jade is a rich, deep green-to-black stone prized for its strength, smooth polish, and subtle luster. Though more commonly associated with Mesoamerican and Asian cultures, it has also found a place in Native American jewelry—especially among Navajo and Pueblo silversmiths who value it for its grounding presence and sleek, modern finish.

Often set in sterling silver, Black Jade is featured in rings, cuffs, and pendants, either as a bold standalone stone or combined with turquoise, coral, or White Buffalo for contrast. Its natural durability makes it ideal for statement designs and everyday wear alike.

Spiritually, Black Jade is considered a protective stone, said to shield against negativity while promoting wisdom and self-reliance—qualities aligned with the spiritual grounding often found in Native art.

Shattuckite – A Rare Stone of Insight and Intuition

Shattuckite is a striking copper silicate mineral known for its vibrant turquoise blue, indigo, and teal swirls, often resembling a painter’s brush across stone. Though it may visually resemble turquoise or chrysocolla, Shattuckite stands out with its rich, fibrous texture and layered depth.

Origins & Rarity:
This rare stone was first discovered in the Shattuck Mine in Bisbee, Arizona—hence its name—but most high-quality material now comes from Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to limited active sources and its delicate crystalline form, Shattuckite is less commonly used in Native American jewelry, making any piece that features it both unique and collectible.

Meaning & Use in Jewelry:
Shattuckite is associated with clarity, intuition, and communication, and is often used in pieces that promote spiritual insight. Its calming color palette makes it an eye-catching centerpiece in sterling silver settings, especially in artisan-made pendants, cuffs, and rings.

Though not a traditional stone in Native jewelry history, Shattuckite’s color harmony and copper-based composition pair beautifully with turquoise, malachite, and azurite—stones revered by Native American silversmiths.

Care Note:
Due to its relatively soft nature (Mohs 3.5–4), Shattuckite should be worn with care and cleaned gently with a soft cloth—never exposed to harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.

Picture Jasper is a unique variety of jasper characterized by intricate patterns resembling landscapes or abstract art. Mined from locations such as the American Southwest, Madagascar, and Indonesia, this material is sourced from sedimentary rock deposits. Its earthy tones and natural designs are shaped by centuries of geological activity, making each piece one-of-a-kind.

Ironwood in Native American Jewelry

Ironwood is a dense, richly grained desert hardwood prized for its strength and natural beauty. Sourced primarily from the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and northern Mexico, Ironwood has long been used by Native American artisans for carving, inlay, and beadwork. Its deep brown to almost black hues, often accented with lighter streaks, bring a warm, earthy contrast to sterling silver and turquoise settings.

In jewelry, Ironwood is used to create beads, inlaid designs, or carved pendants, and it complements both traditional and contemporary Native styles. The wood’s natural durability and luster make it not only beautiful but long-lasting—a grounded, organic choice that connects the wearer to the land.

Topaz: A Gem of Clarity, Color, and Versatility

Topaz is a naturally occurring silicate mineral prized for its brilliance, hardness (8 on the Mohs scale), and wide range of colors. Though naturally colorless or pale, it is often treated to enhance its vivid hues, making it a favorite in both fine and artisan jewelry.

Common color variations include:

• Sky Blue & Swiss Blue Topaz – cool and serene, these shades evoke tranquility and clarity.

• London Blue Topaz – a deeper, dramatic blue prized for its elegance and richness.

• Imperial Topaz – a golden-orange to pinkish hue, often considered the most valuable and rarest.

• White (Colorless) Topaz – frequently used as an affordable diamond substitute.

• Mystic Topaz – colorless topaz treated with a thin film to produce a rainbow-like iridescent effect.

• Champagne, Peach, and Pink Topaz – warm, romantic tones often used in feminine designs.

While not traditionally used in Native American jewelry, topaz can complement silver, turquoise, or shell settings with a pop of color or sparkle. It is believed to promote truth, clarity, and emotional balance, making it both beautiful and meaningful.