Chunky, Ethnic Jewelry and its Place in Santa Fe-Style

If you love that Santa Fe-style in clothing and accessories, chances are you also love the chunky jewelry that goes with it so well. Usually with an ethnic edge or from cultural artisans, I believe its roots and inclusion can be traced to the plentiful supply of turquoise jewelry in the region, mostly from Native American crafters.

Many pieces and stones are simply worn in a more natural state.

Though turquoise can certainly be set into tiny and dainty pieces, there are so many large and unique pieces crafted that those of us who truly love the southwest and all that goes along with the Santa Fe-style, can agree that large, beautiful, chunky turquoise pieces set in silver probably rank number one in the jewelry department. There is also a love of the raw and many pieces and stones are simply worn in a more natural state.

With the addition of these pieces to the Santa Fe look, other large pieces have evolved into inclusion due to the large number of jewelry crafters in the region as well as the inclusion of just ethnic clothing and designs in general because it all works so well with Santa Fe-style. Artistic, bohemian, ethnic, free-spirited, cowboys and Indians, all come together in the mix that we call Santa Fe-style and chunky jewelry has certainly earned its place.