Million Drops Kingman Turquoise Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet by Ray Coriz

Raymond Coriz is an award-winning artist from the Santo Domingo Pueblo. Coming from a family with deep roots in jewelry-making, Raymond learned silversmithing from his father. He honed his craft at the Institute of American Indian Arts and gained valuable experience working at Sunbell Trading Company until its closure. With over 30 years of expertise, Raymond has become known for his mastery in silverwork and creative designs. His accolades include first-place awards at the Gallup Arts and Crafts Show and the New Mexico State Fair. Notably, he crafted a traveling gavel that remains a symbol of his artistic excellence. Today, Raymond continues to create stunning pieces from his home in Santa Ana Pueblo, where he resides with his family.

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.