Silver ring

The Rio Grande's bead and mosaic masters — Kewa heishi and inlay traditions older than silver itself, hand-rolled from turquoise, shell, and jet.

For the Kewa, jewelry-making is both a livelihood and an inheritance carried within families across many generations. Children learn to drill, roll, grade, and string beside their elders, and the pueblo's reputation rests on a communal standard of excellence sustained over centuries. Kewa is also one of the most private and traditional of the pueblos, and its people guard their ceremonial life closely even as their jewelry travels the world.

• Sterling silver

  Buff with a soft polishing cloth — leaving intentional oxidation intact — and store airtight to slow tarnish.

• Last on, first off

  Put your piece on after fragrance, lotion, and hairspray — and take it off before water, sleep, and sport.

• Store with care

  Keep each piece in its own soft pouch, away from direct sun and damp, so softer stones never meet harder ones.