Native American jewelry is full of symbols and choosing well can make a gift special and incredibly meaningful. From Navajo expert silversmithing to Zuni intricate stone inlay, fetishes and petit point to Hopi stark sterling overlay to Apache or Cherokee bead work and more each piece is crafted with beauty and meaning. Squash blossoms are the symbol of courtship and love—a great Valentine or Wedding gift and the gift my husband gave me for our Anniversary. A lizard is symbolic of lovers coming together—a very romantic gift indeed. An arrowhead is the symbol for adventure, what an exciting thought when given as a gift to your significant other.

Feathers represent healing and the eagle is the carrier of prayers to heaven, items with these would be especially appropriate as a get well wish. A spiral shows the flight of the eagle—getting higher and stronger—a caring, thoughtful way to encourage someone going through a tough time.

My love affair began innocently enough. An interesting brooch caught my eye at an estate sale—a lady’s head and shoulders topped with a large brim hat and holding flower blooms. It was both modern and retro in appearance, substantial and well-made, and the use of mixed materials--sterling silver, brass and copper--made for a lovely color combination.

I’d never seen anything like it so I researched the hallmark, simply ‘Far Fetched’ with a heart and a copyright symbol and found their website. I contacted Customer Service to inquire about my new-found treasure and received a friendly reply informing me that this brooch is a retired piece from 2001. It is handmade, was designed in California and made in Taxco, Mexico by artisans working in a cottage industry setting. Their jewelry is fair trade. And there were also earrings that matched. I was hooked.