Authentic Native American jewelry—curated with reverence, passion & care.

One-of-a-kind pieces.
Guaranteed authenticity.
Education without intimidation.

We sell only authentic Native American-made jewelry—guaranteed. We prioritize one-of-a-kind pieces (vintage and contemporary) sourced through direct artist relationships and long-standing community connections.

We also believe beautiful jewelry should create real-world support: at least 10% of proceeds are donated to verified Native-led nonprofits serving Southwestern communities.

See our Donation Partners

What you can expect

from Navajewelry…

Exceptional stones, skilled workmanship, and real character. Many people start out buying and collecting indigenous jewelry thinking quantity matters. But in reality, it’s about quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity—both in the jewelry’s provenance and how it makes you feel. I always tell my clients to buy what they love, and to wear it proudly!
Part of my activism these days is speaking out about the scourge of imported fake Native American jewelry and the harm it does to Native artists and jewelry buyers alike. Many businesses sell imported knockoffs, whether by ignorance or intentionally, and it needs to stop. Because of this, I pledge never to knowingly sell anything that isn’t authentic and I stand by a 100% money back guarantee on all of my products.
I love teaching and answering questions—no gatekeeping, no judgment. It’s easy to be intimidated by the world of Native American jewelry. There’s so much history and culture behind it, and so much misinformation. I find great joy in learning about indigenous jewelry and sharing that joy and education with those who also want to learn with respect and an open heart.
Shaped by many years in healthcare as a Registered Nurse (and my former life as a pastry chef), treating my clients, partners, and Native American artists with kindness, respect, and courtesy is part of my DNA. Wearing, buying, and collecting jewelry is something that should bring joy and happiness, never stress or uncertainty. I hope to facilitate that joy as much as possible for my clients while supporting the Native American artists and communities that make it all possible.

Shop Our Collection

“I’ve been collecting, studying, learning, purchasing, selling—and most of all—enjoying Native American jewelry since 1989. I only sell items I would personally wear, which means quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity are of the utmost importance to me.”

Hi, I’m Suzanne Hendler. Nurse by day, indigenous jewelry addict 24/7!

My love and deep admiration for Native American art began when I was 18, as a freshman at Goddard College in Vermont. Through the school’s non-residential program, I met many Navajo (Diné) students—relationships that would shape the rest of my life.

I was fortunate to spend two semesters as a visiting student at Diné College, taking classes in Navajo language, silversmithing, weaving, basketry, moccasin-making, and Navajo culture. I also started a student club focused on Native issues including water rights, treaty rights, religious freedom, and the impacts of uranium and coal mining on indigenous lands.

After college, I worked at the American Indian AIDS Task Force in Minneapolis (now the Indigenous People’s Task Force), doing HIV prevention education with rural and urban Native communities. That path eventually led me to earn a second bachelor’s degree—this time in nursing—and I now work as an RN at UCSF in infectious disease research when I’m not immersed in jewelry. I also spent months volunteering at Sage Memorial Hospital on the Navajo Nation to help open a new primary care clinic.

When I was in college I began making beaded jewelry and doing metalsmithing. I apprenticed with jeweler Lochlin Smith in Vermont and then continued my education by interning full time with noted jeweler Judith Kinghorn in Minneapolis. I’ve made lots of jewelry in my life and this experience really helps me appreciate Native American jewelry even more because I know exactly how much skill and talent is required. It also allows me to skillfully make needed repairs, though at this time I only make repairs that don’t require soldering.

For me, Native jewelry has never been separate from the communities and artists who create it. Since 1989, I’ve been collecting, studying, learning, purchasing, selling, and most of all enjoying Native American jewelry. I’m honored to use that knowledge and the relationships I’ve cultivated to share some of the finest authentic Native American jewelry available. Almost everything I sell is one-of-a-kind, bringing culture and history with it as well as beauty. Supporting the people who create this incredible art is extremely important to me and guides me daily in how I run my business.

Meet Juan Luis, the other half of NavaJewelery!

Juan Luis and Suzanne met in June of 2006 at a salsa club in San Francisco and have been going strong ever since. They married at JL’s family home in Costa Rica in 2009.

Juan Luis grew up in rural Costa Rica on his family’s cattle ranch and is skilled at riding, roping, and using a machete to open coconuts, among many other talents. He’s always been an entrepreneur and has owned lots of businesses, including a bar/restaurant, a produce market, a handmade furniture factory, real estate investment, handmade cabinetry production, and general contracting.

He was the driving force behind starting Navajewelry, giving Suzanne not only the idea for the business but also the daily support, encouragement, and logistical help to keep it running smoothly. He’s also discovered his own passion for Native American jewelry, exponentially increasing his wardrobe of watches, rings, necklaces and bolo ties! This Costa Rican cowboy looks amazing representing Southwestern style!

Juan Luis loves to travel, often taking solo trips to New Mexico to bring back incredible jewels for Suzanne to include in Navajewelry’s collections. One of his favorite activities apart from traveling and jewelry shopping is eating delicious and diverse ethnic foods. He has a goal of opening an elder care center in Costa Rica one day and involving the youth in activities at the center to keep them on a positive path. Food, travel, Native jewelry, and making the world a better place are passions that Suzanne and Juan Luis share.