Inlaid Sterling Silver Bolo by Albert Nells

Albert Nells – Navajo Silversmith & Master Inlayer

Albert Nells, born in 1952 and raised in Winslow, Arizona, is a highly respected Navajo artist known for his masterful inlay work and distinctive contemporary designs. With a career spanning over four decades, Albert has developed a signature style that blends traditional Navajo motifs with bold geometric patterns and modern elegance.

Working primarily in sterling silver and 14k gold, Albert often incorporates high-grade stones such as turquoise, lapis, coral, and sugilite. His meticulous stone-to-stone inlay technique, precision-cut metals, and use of symmetry reflect both his artistic discipline and cultural heritage.

Albert was mentored by renowned artists, including his wife, the late Beverly Etsate Nells (Zuni), and has received multiple awards at prestigious Native American art shows, including the Santa Fe Indian Market. Today, his work is highly collected and recognized for its sophisticated detail and elevated craftsmanship.

Tibetan Turquoise & Native American Jewelry

Tibetan Turquoise, with its bold color variations and earthy matrix, has found a respected place in Native American jewelry-making. While the stone originates from the Himalayan region, its natural beauty and spiritual symbolism closely align with Indigenous beliefs in the Southwest—especially the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes who revere turquoise as a sacred stone of protection, healing, and strength.

Contemporary Native silversmiths often incorporate Tibetan Turquoise into their pieces when its unique character—richer greens, golden veining, or darker hues—offers a look or energy not found in domestic turquoise mines. When used in Native American jewelry, Tibetan Turquoise retains its spiritual essence while becoming part of a new cultural story, set in traditional sterling silver techniques and often paired with handcrafted stamping, cluster work, or overlay designs.

It’s a global connection of earth, spirit, and art—bridging sacred traditions from Tibet to the Southwest.

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.

Mother of Pearl is the iridescent inner layer of mollusk shells, often sourced from oysters and abalones in regions such as the South Pacific and Asia. It is a renewable material harvested as a byproduct of pearl farming or sustainable shell collection. Its subtle shimmer and delicate hues lend a timeless elegance to jewelry pieces.

Red Coral features vibrant red hues and a smooth, polished surface that highlight its natural beauty and elegance. Known for its rich color and striking appearance, this gemstone adds a bold, sophisticated touch to jewelry designs. Expertly incorporated into various pieces, red coral reflects its timeless allure and the distinctive craftsmanship of the designer.

Sterling Silver in Native American Jewelry

Sterling silver has been a cornerstone of Native American jewelry-making for over a century. Introduced through trade and colonial contact in the late 1800s, silver quickly became a favored material among Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artisans. Navajo silversmiths were among the first to adopt its use, learning techniques from Mexican metalsmiths and blending them with their own cultural motifs to create bold, handcrafted jewelry that remains iconic today.

Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This composition is denoted by the ".925" stamp found on authentic pieces, ensuring durability while retaining the precious metal’s brilliance and softness for hand-tooling.

Most silver used today is mined in countries like Mexico, Peru, China, and the United States (notably Arizona and Nevada). Native artists often work with American-mined silver for its cultural and geographical ties to the Southwest.

Care Tips:

• To maintain a bright, polished finish, gently clean sterling silver with a soft cloth or use a designated silver cleaning cloth to remove tarnish.

• To preserve the natural oxidation or patina, which many collectors cherish for its depth and character, simply wear the jewelry regularly and avoid over-cleaning. The patina develops naturally over time and enhances the handmade detail and stamping of each piece.

Whether kept polished or allowed to age gracefully, sterling silver serves as both canvas and frame for the stunning stones and stories embedded in Native American jewelry.