Our History

Silver Sun was founded in 1976 when Deanna Olson and Cheryl Ingram hit the road in a borrowed truck with three showcases of the best Native American jewelry that $5,000 of retirement money could buy. After three years of traveling sales, the two retired school teachers opened the Silver Sun Gallery on Canyon Road in 1979 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Kathleen Sanchez joined the team. In 1985, Silver Sun Wholesale opened in Albuquerque. Since the beginning, Silver Sun has been providing authentic, handmade Native American jewelry to the public by wholesaling to fine shops, galleries, museums, and Native American stores across the globe.

Over the years, we have acquired knowledge about the precious “fallen sky stone,” also known as turquoise. We understand the value, beauty, and spiritual significance it holds. Silver Sun’s in-house designer, Kathleen, collaborates with several talented silversmiths to create both traditional and unique contemporary jewelry that features rare, natural turquoise, as well as other semi-precious stones.

Silver Sun was a longtime member of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, the only organization in the country that wholeheartedly promotes and protects authentic Native American handmade arts and crafts, until its end in 2018. Our very own Deanna Olson served on the board for twenty years and was even president for two years.

We are proud to work with Etta Endito, Bryant Martinez, Ruth Ann Begay, and Rosella Sandoval. These skilled artists create both contemporary and traditional jewelry for our customers to enjoy.

We have an impressive assortment of rare and collectible American turquoise. From Arizona, we have Morenci, Bisbee, Kingman, Turquoise Mountain, and Sleeping Beauty. We also have Blue Gem, Fox, Pilot Mountain, Royston, Number Eight, and others, all from Nevada. The Colorado mines that Silver Sun sells include King’s Manassa & Villa Grove. From New Mexico, we have Cerrillos, Tyrone, Hachita, and High Lonesome.

For more than 37 years, Silver Sun has made itself available to the public at trade shows, lectures, and interviews about turquoise and authentic Native American jewelry. Silver Sun is glad to provide our customers with a certificate of authenticity for each piece of jewelry, along with educational information about the turquoise mine or stone and the artist for each piece. In February of 2018, Silver Sun sold the gallery on Canyon Road, but we continue to sell worldwide via our website. Browse online or come to our shop in Old Town Albuquerque to see our wide selection of jewelry.

Our Team

Kathleen Sanchez, now a co-owner and the cornerstone of our team since 1979, brings her deep appreciation and understanding of Native American jewelry to Silver Sun. Coming for San Felipe Pueblo, her commitment to quality and authenticity has helped shape our collection and maintain our high standards.

Deanna Olson, co-founder of Silver Sun, has been instrumental in our journey. Her passion for Native American arts and crafts, coupled with her extensive knowledge of American turquoise, has been invaluable. Her expertise encompasses the history, geology, and cultural significance of turquoise, solidifying Silver Sun’s reputation for authenticity and quality.

River Sanchez-Sullivan, Kathleen and Deanna’s son, grew up working in the Santa Fe gallery and took over the role of Marketing Director at the end of 2019. His fresh perspective and dedication to preserving and promoting this cultural heritage ensure that Silver Sun continues to thrive and innovate while honoring tradition.

At Silver Sun, we are more than just a business; we are a family dedicated to celebrating and sharing the beauty and significance of Native American jewelry with the world.

70's Rosebud Pow-Wow, South Dakota
1982
River and Kathleen in 2023
Kathleen in our Old Town Shop 2024