Ortega's on the Plaza was founded as a physical store front in 1971. But, the Ortega family's roots…read morein buying and selling Southwestern and Native American arts and crafts date back to 1871. It holds the distinction of being the oldest jewelry store operating on Santa Fe's Historic Plaza. The offerings here are expensive, but in my opinion there's no guesswork on the authenticity and quality of what you're purchasing. Anytime I'm in town, I make it a point to come in and drool over the bolo tie designs, most of which I can't (or won't?) afford. Like anything else Southwest-wise, I find that it takes awhile to sort through the massive selections to find the precious few that I then obsess over.

I used to love Ortega's however the last two times I've been in I dropped some serious $. Two of…read morethose items were defective, the most recent being an expensive pair of Spiny oyster hoop earrings that fell apart the first 10 minutes I had them on. There goes $600. I think I would have better luck elsewhere. NEVER AGAIN!

Nice store with beautiful jewelry! Although we didn't purchase anything it was fun to look around…read moreand the lady working was super friendly!

My usual go to is Gold House. On the rare occasion they don't have it this is my second stop. It's…read moreok - they're in the same family, offerings are different. Entering this store brings you into a store seemingly out of place here. It would look more at home in places like Dallas, Houston, Beverly Hills, very upscale. A great selection of higher end watches and jewelry. The inventory here is quality at a much different price point. But I found what I needed at a nice price. It was a good experience - but one I expected.

Update on my October 16, 2025 Gold House review of the Turquoise and Diamond bracelet that broke…read moreTWICE within three weeks, and where the Gold House (which is affiliated also with Kenny Diva Diamonds and any Santa Fe jewelry store run by Suleiman Management) refused a refund per New Mexico Consumer Law. WARNING: An independent appraisal validated that the 18-carat gold band WAS NOT 18-caret gold. The Turquoise is not the MINED turquoise we were told by the Gold House; it is SYNTHETIC Turquoise which is easily made in the lab, and costs 50% to 70% cheaper. Thus, the (fake) appraisal that they gave me certifying the estimated value of the bracelet was FRADULENT. DO NOT SHOP HERE. . . . and BE CAREFUL of ANY jewelry store selling "authentic, mined" turquoise. Here are the facts: If you're comparing Santa Fe-area mined turquoise to synthetic turquoise, the differences are substantial: * Natural turquoise has geological authenticity, cultural significance, and collector value. * Synthetic turquoise is visually similar but lacks natural structure, rarity, and provenance. _ _ _ _ _ The presence of mined (natural) turquoise versus synthetic turquoise can dramatically change the appraised value of a bracelet--often by a factor of 5× to 50×, depending on quality, provenance, and craftsmanship. _ _ _ _ _ How Turquoise Type Affects Appraised Value 1. Natural, Mined Turquoise = Highest Value Appraisers place a premium on natural, mined turquoise, especially when it is: * From a known mine (Cerrillos, Sleeping Beauty, Kingman, Royston, Bisbee, etc.) * High-grade (dense, hard, vivid color, minimal matrix) * Untreated or minimally treated (stabilized is acceptable but lowers value somewhat) Value impact * A bracelet with high-grade natural turquoise can be worth thousands more than the same bracelet set with synthetic stones. * If the stones are from a famous mine, provenance alone can add 20-200% to the appraisal. _ _ _ _ _ 2. Stabilized Natural Turquoise = Mid-Range Value Most turquoise on the market is stabilized because natural turquoise is porous. Appraisers still consider stabilized turquoise real turquoise, but: * It is valued lower than untreated high-grade stones. * It is valued far higher than synthetic or reconstituted material. Value impact * Typically 40-70% of the value of high-grade natural turquoise. * Still considered legitimate and insurable as turquoise. _ _ _ _ _ 3. Synthetic Turquoise = Very Low Value Synthetic turquoise includes: * Resin-based imitation * Dyed howlite or magnesite * Reconstituted turquoise powder mixed with resin Appraisers classify these as non-gem materials. Value impact * A bracelet with synthetic turquoise may be valued only for the metal and craftsmanship, not the stones. * The turquoise itself may add little to no appraised value. * In many cases, synthetic stones reduce the appraisal by 80-95% compared to natural turquoise. _ _ _ _ _ Example of Real-World Appraisal Differences Imagine two identical sterling silver bracelets: Bracelet A: Natural, mined turquoise * High-grade stones from a known mine * Appraised value: $1,200-$3,500 Bracelet B: Synthetic turquoise * Resin-based imitation * Appraised value: $150-$300 (mostly metal + labor) Same design, same metal, same craftsmanship--but the stones change everything. _ _ _ _ _ Why Appraisers Penalize Synthetic Stones Appraisers look at: * Rarity * Authenticity * Market demand * Replacement cost * Cultural significance Natural turquoise checks all these boxes. Synthetic turquoise checks none. Even if synthetic stones look "perfect," they have: * No geological rarity * No mine provenance * No collector value * No resale market * No cultural or historical significance _ _ _ _ _ BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER. . . . DON'T GET RIPPED OFF by The Gold House. . . . or any affiliate!!!!

I'm absolutely thrilled with my Anniversary Ring from Santa Fe's Gold House! It's absolutely…read moregorgeous! Bara, the Sales Manager, was incredibly trustworthy from the very beginning. He was honest and reliable throughout the entire 4-6 week process. I quickly realized that Bara is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and an expert in all things jewelry. His confidence put me at ease about letting Santa Fe Gold House, which is over 300 miles away from home, design my replacement Anniversary Ring based on just a description of my lost ring. When FedEx finally delivered my Ring, I was blown away. I'm completely satisfied and loving it!

I've shopped with this store for 40 years. Quality and design is unsurpassed. Unlike any other…read moredesigns on the market and they will follow up on problems. I lost one custom earring and they found all the stones to match and replace the lost item.

My favorite jewelry store in Santa Fe! Helpful staff. Everything is handmade and oh so beautiful.read more

The selection of pieces wearable or simply to appreciate is wonderful. The owner is knowledgeable…read moreand has something to share regarding every item in the store. I bought a turquoise Buddha carving that I cherish. I will always visit and buy here when I'm in town. Love this store.

Wow! This is my favorite shop on the plaza. So many colors and a great selection of loose stones,…read morecrystals, jewelry and more. It was very clean and organized. Zoe and Gilda were so incredibly helpful and fun!

A "must do" if you ever visit Santa Fe, NM, is the Native American Vendors Program of the Palace of…read morethe Governors. Daily, year round, the jewelry and craft makers from the pueblos surrounding Santa Fe set up displays to sell their wares outside the Palace, facing the Plaza. While the local artists who have achieved some renown have their items displayed in the shops around Santa Fe, the local Native American families, often with the help of mom, dad, and kids, spread out blankets in their assigned stalls. It's really something to see! Especially as the vendors move their wares on the blankets using long sticks with hooks on the end! :-) And, there is something for everyone... jewelry, turquoise, silver, beadwork, small crafts. It's just fun to browse and talk to the vendors. They truly are wonderful people, and we enjoy supporting them! And, much of the jewelry is beautiful, some better than what you'll find in the shops. Lots of jewelry for men too, so don't be shy about shopping! LOL But beware, they are tough negotiators! Great value to be had, at a fair price! Recommend you visit with the Native American Vendors whenever you can, it's a blessing to interact with and support them!

Native American vendors daily display and sell their jewelry and handmade items. All are beautiful…read moreand unique. I highly recommend because the Natives are licensed for permits to sell in Santa Fe. The jewelry is authentic and high quality stones and metals . I recommend paying with cash (service fee card) . I purchased quite a few pieces for myself and family for gifts.

This store is a wonderful treasure box. Beautiful jewelry, belts, décor…read more The owner was lovely to work with. And she gladly shares her knowledge. I easily spent an hour in this store. Lots to examine. Lots to want. I was here July 2020, a relaxed moment during covid restrictions.

Amy, the owner, Laura & Michael take service to a whole new level…read more Believe me, this store is a major find. They have an enormous amount of turquoise and sterling silver jewelry from various time periods for reasonable prices. I bought three pair of absolutely stunning earrings plus several pairs of hard-to-find sterling silver 'monster' earring backs. Michael did a magnificent job of restringing my orange coral squash blossom necklace. I had this done two years ago by Sun Country Traders. Whoever did the repair did it so tightly that it rolled every time I wore -- and it was months before I got it back. When I picked it up I noticed that and mentioned it to lady I was paying. She brushed my concern off and said it would be fine; it was just a new restring. It was on a chain; they do not stretch or settle. If you need your jewelry restrung, I highly recommend this shop!!! We'll be back on our future trips to Santa Fe.

After visiting all the amazing shops in downtown Santa Fe, get yourself over to this fabulous hole…read morein the wall gem. You'll find fine examples of Indian and estate jewelry at A fraction of the cost.

Santa Fe Exchange is packed with beyond beautiful jewelry. It is a Real Treasure Trove !!!! For…read moreyears I have shopped there for gifts & for myself. If you are a traveler check this place out first !!! - for knock-out Southwest Bling & beautiful hand made classic & Historic Native American, Mexican and Antique fine pieces. This place is a lovely art - textile & antique shop also. It is always awesome to shop where the locals shop & go deeper into Santa Fe style. Quirky places this Santa Fe Exchange are all over Santa Fe.... this one is one of my faves.