View collection below
Kokopelli is proud to announce that we have recently acquired a large assortment of highly collectible authentic jewelry from a private collector. This jewelry was created by some of the most prestigious and skilled Native American artists in the world.
The artists represented in our collection are as follows: Andy Lee Kirk Don Dewa Ernest Benally Ray Tracey Richard Chavez Ronnie Martinez Tommy Jackson Wes Willie Victor Beck
RayTracey
Those familiar with Native American jewelry artists are sure to recognize the name Ray Tracey. Born on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, Ray’s elders trained him in the fine art of jewelry-making. By the age of nine Ray Tracey was already making his own jewelry! After moving to Hollywood and appearing in numerous movies and TV shows, Ray returned to his jewelry making roots and became a professional jeweler in 1977, revolutionizing the art of Native American jewelry making.
The economic boom of the 90’s granted many Native American artists the opportunity to evolve their craft. It was an exciting time, as creativity flourished and Native jewelry makers began experimenting with different designs. Moving away from chunky stone styles, many artists began inlaying stones, creating a sleeker and more elegant genre of Native American jewelry.
Santa Fe transformed into the center stage for Southwestern art and culture, and Ray Tracey became one of the leading characters, eventually opening his own store (which has unfortunately since closed). His brilliant creativity and extraordinary precision allowed him to create jewelry so intricate even European jewelers were amazed. Jewelers from countries such as Italy and France, where inlay techniques had been passed down for generations over centuries, were in awe of Ray Tracey’s inlay work and designs. Revolutionizing Native American jewelry as an art form has earned Ray the title of the top Native American jeweler ever, while his extraordinary inlay abilities place him among the top inlay artists in the world.
Ray Tracey has received almost every award and honor that can be bestowed on a jeweler. Among them are the following:
Santa Fe Indian Market: Best in Jewelry
Santa Fe Indian Market: First Place for Handmade items combined with purchased materials
Niche Magazine Awards Finalist
Gallup Inter-Tribal: Best in Jewelry
Santa Fe Indian Market: Best Squash Blossom Necklace, Indian Ceremonial
Ray often designs jewelry in asymmetrical shapes and designs, adding to the overall uniqueness present in each design. The use of stones such as sugilite, turquoise, lapis, opal, and onyx, create striking palettes of color true to Southwestern style. Occasionally Ray adds faceted gemstones such as diamonds to a piece, innovatively blending genres of jewelry while adding elegance.
Below are some of Ray Tracey’s creations. These pieces were designed and created by Ray in the 1990’s at the height of his creative genius. Please contact us for more information on any piece or to order. More photos are available upon request.
Ray Tracey Jewelry
View collection below
Kokopelli is proud to announce that we have recently acquired a large assortment of highly collectible authentic jewelry from a private collector. This jewelry was created by some of the most prestigious and skilled Native American artists in the world.
The artists represented in our collection are as follows:
Andy Lee Kirk
Don Dewa
Ernest Benally
Ray Tracey
Richard Chavez
Ronnie Martinez
Tommy Jackson
Wes Willie
Victor Beck
RayTracey
Those familiar with Native American jewelry artists are sure to recognize the name Ray Tracey. Born on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, Ray’s elders trained him in the fine art of jewelry-making. By the age of nine Ray Tracey was already making his own jewelry! After moving to Hollywood and appearing in numerous movies and TV shows, Ray returned to his jewelry making roots and became a professional jeweler in 1977, revolutionizing the art of Native American jewelry making.
The economic boom of the 90’s granted many Native American artists the opportunity to evolve their craft. It was an exciting time, as creativity flourished and Native jewelry makers began experimenting with different designs. Moving away from chunky stone styles, many artists began inlaying stones, creating a sleeker and more elegant genre of Native American jewelry.
Santa Fe transformed into the center stage for Southwestern art and culture, and Ray Tracey became one of the leading characters, eventually opening his own store (which has unfortunately since closed). His brilliant creativity and extraordinary precision allowed him to create jewelry so intricate even European jewelers were amazed. Jewelers from countries such as Italy and France, where inlay techniques had been passed down for generations over centuries, were in awe of Ray Tracey’s inlay work and designs. Revolutionizing Native American jewelry as an art form has earned Ray the title of the top Native American jeweler ever, while his extraordinary inlay abilities place him among the top inlay artists in the world.
Ray Tracey has received almost every award and honor that can be bestowed on a jeweler. Among them are the following:
Santa Fe Indian Market: Best in Jewelry
Santa Fe Indian Market: First Place for Handmade items combined with purchased materials
Niche Magazine Awards Finalist
Gallup Inter-Tribal: Best in Jewelry
Santa Fe Indian Market: Best Squash Blossom Necklace, Indian Ceremonial
Ray often designs jewelry in asymmetrical shapes and designs, adding to the overall uniqueness present in each design. The use of stones such as sugilite, turquoise, lapis, opal, and onyx, create striking palettes of color true to Southwestern style. Occasionally Ray adds faceted gemstones such as diamonds to a piece, innovatively blending genres of jewelry while adding elegance.
Below are some of Ray Tracey’s creations. These pieces were designed and created by Ray in the 1990’s at the height of his creative genius. Please contact us for more information on any piece or to order. More photos are available upon request.
View some of our Ray Tracey Jewelry below: