About Us
Home
/
About Us
From Our Hands to Yours: Growing Silver Cactus Jewelry
Where It Began
Our journey began 24 years ago at a modest farmer’s market in the San Francisco Bay Area. On a simple display table, we arranged a carefully chosen selection of vintage Native American jewelry, each piece beautifully crafted, rich in history, and grounded in cultural meaning. One quiet afternoon, a pair of travelers paused, drawn to the labor-intensive inlay, hand-forged silverwork, and the captivating colors of Southwestern turquoise, stones once abundant in Native American jewelry, now rarely seen in contemporary work. Curious and enchanted by the art of the Navajo and Zuni silversmiths, they lingered, discussed the intricate jewelry-making techniques, and finally asked how they could stay in touch. In that moment, the concept of Silver Cactus took hold.
Early Steps, Shared Passion
With an old computer, a quirky username, and unwavering passion, we opened our digital doors. What began as a way to connect a small group of enthusiasts with our vintage pieces gradually grew into a community of collectors. Together, we celebrated the elegance and timelessness of vintage and pre-loved Native and Western designs through shared knowledge and discovery.
Growing Quietly
As we continued to grow, the exceptional quality of what we were sourcing gently redirected our path. What began as a public-facing shop gradually drew the attention of discerning retailers and designers—those who recognized true artistry and craftsmanship before conversation. Our pieces spoke for themselves: unadvertised, uncompromised, and self-evident. While we continued to serve our loyal, long-standing clients, more and more of our collection found its way behind the scenes, into the hands of industry professionals who valued discretion, authenticity, and substance.
Discovered, Not Created
We don’t showcase brand-new work or items we’ve created; our treasures were discovered over many years. Each one is individually sourced from old stock, trading posts, estates, and long-standing relationships with artisans and vendors—allowing us to offer a highly distinctive selection. Some tell their stories through clear hallmarks. Others speak softly, their origins inferred from partial signatures, pictorial marks, construction, materials, technique, and style. When these details tell a story, we share it. When history remains elusive, we say so. What we offer is open, honest communication, respect for the work itself, and an educated eye shaped by experience—shared with care when attribution or origin cannot be stated with certainty.
Returning to You
Silver Cactus Jewelry represents the return of our vault to collectors like you, guided by the same care, integrity, and love that directed our earlier steps. Thoughtfully curated vintage and estate pieces that have graced professional collections are once again offered directly to all who appreciate them.
Our Collections
Our three collections—Native American, Southwestern, and Boho-Chic—highlight the exceptional skill of Native American artisans, the precision of Southwestern silversmiths, and globally inspired Boho-Chic creations shaped by cross-cultural influences. Each piece is photographed to honor its character and described responsibly, allowing its age, wear, and beauty to remain part of its story. They are not chosen for trend or mass appeal, but for their enduring quality—recognized immediately by serious collectors.
For Serious Collectors
We invite you to join us as we continue to grow and refine our curation. A small number of rare, pre-owned, and estate treasures are introduced weekly—each one handpicked, each one unrepeatable. The finest pieces rarely linger, finding their forever homes with those who understand that what makes jewelry truly precious is not perfection, but the journey it has traveled to reach you.
Welcome to the Silver Cactus Jewelry shop, where every piece is one of a kind—just like you.
—Mel, Guapo, Doug, Flapjack🐾, Pinball🐾, Noni🐾, and Lily🐾
Our journey began 24 years ago at a modest farmer’s market in the San Francisco Bay Area. On a simple display table, we arranged a carefully chosen selection of vintage Native American jewelry, each piece beautifully crafted, rich in history, and grounded in cultural meaning. One quiet afternoon, a pair of travelers paused, drawn to the labor-intensive inlay, hand-forged silverwork, and the captivating colors of Southwestern turquoise, stones once abundant in Native American jewelry, now rarely seen in contemporary work. Curious and enchanted by the art of the Navajo and Zuni silversmiths, they lingered, discussed the intricate jewelry-making techniques, and finally asked how they could stay in touch. In that moment, the concept of Silver Cactus took hold.
Early Steps, Shared Passion
With an old computer, a quirky username, and unwavering passion, we opened our digital doors. What began as a way to connect a small group of enthusiasts with our vintage pieces gradually grew into a community of collectors. Together, we celebrated the elegance and timelessness of vintage and pre-loved Native and Western designs through shared knowledge and discovery.
Growing Quietly
As we continued to grow, the exceptional quality of what we were sourcing gently redirected our path. What began as a public-facing shop gradually drew the attention of discerning retailers and designers—those who recognized true artistry and craftsmanship before conversation. Our pieces spoke for themselves: unadvertised, uncompromised, and self-evident. While we continued to serve our loyal, long-standing clients, more and more of our collection found its way behind the scenes, into the hands of industry professionals who valued discretion, authenticity, and substance.
Discovered, Not Created
We don’t showcase brand-new work or items we’ve created; our treasures were discovered over many years. Each one is individually sourced from old stock, trading posts, estates, and long-standing relationships with artisans and vendors—allowing us to offer a highly distinctive selection. Some tell their stories through clear hallmarks. Others speak softly, their origins inferred from partial signatures, pictorial marks, construction, materials, technique, and style. When these details tell a story, we share it. When history remains elusive, we say so. What we offer is open, honest communication, respect for the work itself, and an educated eye shaped by experience—shared with care when attribution or origin cannot be stated with certainty.
Returning to You
Silver Cactus Jewelry represents the return of our vault to collectors like you, guided by the same care, integrity, and love that directed our earlier steps. Thoughtfully curated vintage and estate pieces that have graced professional collections are once again offered directly to all who appreciate them.
Our Collections
Our three collections—Native American, Southwestern, and Boho-Chic—highlight the exceptional skill of Native American artisans, the precision of Southwestern silversmiths, and globally inspired Boho-Chic creations shaped by cross-cultural influences. Each piece is photographed to honor its character and described responsibly, allowing its age, wear, and beauty to remain part of its story. They are not chosen for trend or mass appeal, but for their enduring quality—recognized immediately by serious collectors.
For Serious Collectors
We invite you to join us as we continue to grow and refine our curation. A small number of rare, pre-owned, and estate treasures are introduced weekly—each one handpicked, each one unrepeatable. The finest pieces rarely linger, finding their forever homes with those who understand that what makes jewelry truly precious is not perfection, but the journey it has traveled to reach you.
Welcome to the Silver Cactus Jewelry shop, where every piece is one of a kind—just like you.
—Mel, Guapo, Doug, Flapjack🐾, Pinball🐾, Noni🐾, and Lily🐾
The Heart of Silver Cactus Jewelry
Inspired by the traditions we honor
Mission
To foster meaningful human connections through the stories, culture, and craftsmanship embodied in every vintage treasure—cultivating a deeper appreciation for these timeless pieces.
Vision
To elevate the artistry of vintage Native American, Southwestern, and artisan-made Boho-Chic jewelry by honoring their heritage and preserving time-honored handcraft techniques.
Core Values
Rooted in cultural integrity, transparency, and a commitment to lasting relationships and excellence, our core values guide every aspect of our work.
One of a Kind
Handcrafted with Time-Honored Techniques
Authentic
Rare Finds, Uniquely Yours
At Silver Cactus Jewelry, every piece tells the stories of generations—master silversmiths and lapidaries who created extraordinary work with limited tools, exceptional skill, and deep reverence for their heritage. We seek early Navajo jewelry adorned with thoughtfully chosen Southwestern turquoise. We seek the refined overlay work of Hopi silversmiths and the Zuni tradition of intricate clusters and precision inlay. We seek pieces that carry the spirit of the American Southwest, the enduring global Western aesthetic, and the timeless elegance of Boho-Chic artisan design. Each treasure is chosen with intention, bringing authenticity and cultural significance together. You won’t find high-volume here—only the exceptional, gathered from wherever it may be found, to create a single destination where discerning collectors and enthusiasts can discover truly remarkable pieces.
