David Rosales White Buffalo Inlaid Sterling Silver Pendant Little Bear

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.

Though often associated with turquoise, White Buffalo is a striking gemstone in its own right—prized for its high contrast beauty and spiritual symbolism. It is not technically turquoise, as it lacks the copper content that imparts the characteristic blue and green hues. Instead, White Buffalo is a rare combination of white calcite and black chert or iron oxide matrix, resulting in dramatic patterns of black and brown against a creamy white background. Its unique appearance has captivated collectors and artisans alike, earning it a revered place in contemporary Native American jewelry.

White Buffalo is mined exclusively in the American Southwest, primarily near Tonopah, Nevada—a region also home to some of the most famous turquoise deposits. Its proximity to turquoise mines and its striking natural patterns have led many to group it with turquoise varieties, though its composition is distinct. Despite this, it is often lovingly referred to as “White Buffalo Turquoise” in the jewelry world due to its visual kinship and the artisans who work with it.

To many Native artists and collectors, White Buffalo represents purity, balance, and spiritual clarity. In Lakota culture, the rare and sacred White Buffalo is a symbol of hope and prophecy—so it’s no surprise that the stone bearing its name carries a sense of mystery and reverence. Jewelry made with White Buffalo often evokes a sense of grounding and sacred connection to the land.

Beyond its symbolism, White Buffalo is cherished for its bold aesthetic. Its monochromatic palette makes it incredibly versatile—it complements any skin tone, wardrobe, or season, and transitions seamlessly from daywear to evening statement. Whether set in sterling silver or combined with other traditional stones, White Buffalo creates a look that is both timeless and fashion-forward.

In the hands of Native silversmiths from the Navajo and Zuni nations—many of whom have incorporated White Buffalo into their modern and traditional designs—the stone becomes more than an accessory. It is a work of art that tells a story: of land, heritage, and personal expression.