Carolyn and I are very patriotic, so much so that we began hosting a 4th of July party for our neighbors and relatives. Of course, it is all American from flags and swags to burgers, hot dogs and potato salad. We even married on July 2nd so we could celebrate our anniversary over the same long weekend. This year we’re having a BBQ for our craftspeople.

It’s a proud time of year for Americans and a busy time for our craftspeople and their leads, so I thought I’d give them some well deserved credit by letting our customers know a little more about US.

As you know, today almost everything is made outside of the USA. On the other hand, Relios makes all our jewelry right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Carolyn believes the company is our extended family. How big is our family? Well we employ about 100 US citizens and contract approximately 40 who string our jewelry at their home. All in all, if the average family is four, we help directly support 600 people in Albuquerque. Our family is mostly Hispanic, but also includes Vietnamese and a few of us Anglos.

Under our roof, we design, model the original, cast (lost wax method), solder, polish, mosaic inlay, stone set, assemble and string. Our chain and findings (things like ear posts, ear clutches, broach pins, stringing cable), sterling beads and stampings mostly come from Rhode Island. Nearly all our lapidary, stone cabochons and beads are cut overseas, in China. There are virtually no stone cutters left in our country. In the coming months, I will share more details of our production process with pictures.

Why do we still craft our jewelry in the USA? Well that way we can keep an eye on everything, from start to finish. Another reason is that some of our biggest customers tell us that if we call it Southwest Jewelry, it should be made here, and we have since 1975.

Carolyn and I often remark that the first American jewelry designers were really the Native Americans. To help you celebrate, check out the special pricing on selected Native American Designer jewelry.

What do you think? Should we have our jewelry made overseas? We could probably save you a few dollars. We are interested in your thoughts and comments, click here to email me directly. Thank you - everybody at Relios really appreciates your love of the great Southwest lifestyle, and especially our jewelry.