Taos Indian Trading Co

Just had to write again regarding the skills and quality of workmanship of the jewelry at Taos Indian Trading Co. I recently bought an antique vintage turquoise necklace… delicate yet raw turquoise ‘beads’ simply strung but perfect to wear with jeans and nice casual classics. It was too long and Todd shortened it to the exact length, creating a hand made closure that suits the vintage authentic feeling of the necklace. We are creating a bracelet with the remaining turquoise pieces mixing it with silver in some interesting fashion. Whether you like modern or exquisite vintage native jewelry, this is the only place to go and have the opportunity to shop, create and customize your choice by a true artist.

This man has been so courteous to me on several occasions, by assisting me with sizing and fitting silver watch bands. He is a gentlemanly professional, so I will always return to his shop, even though I have moved out of the area.
Gary M.
San Diego

They are the best. Brought them a money clip for repair. Not only did they do it in no time in perfect craftsmanship but also to a super fair price. Love these guys.

One of the most unprofessional business man that I have ever came across! I called to ask about a wholesale prices for a few pieces and he between 5,000 — 10,000. I asked out of curiosity how come it was priced so high and he literally yelled at me over the phone and said because it would be a waste of his time! How he could get way more money somewhere else from people like me! Obviously this asshole is greedy as hell and doesn’t even care about the value of the jewelry because if so he would’ve talked more about how the pieces he has a very unique or are imported or handmade, something. I hope they hire someone else who really appreciates the value of Indian jewelry and not just some obvious coke head.

If I could give this spot less than one star, I would’ve. The short bald man (I’m assuming this is the Todd Swift that was mentioned in the first review) was rude, dismissive and unfriendly. My sister loves Native American Jewlery so I stopped by to get her something. I regretted it as soon as he opened the door. Yes… you have to ring a door bell to get in. Although it says on the door that the gallery hours are 11 am — 7 pm (and I am within those hours) he told me store visitations are by appointment only. He acted as if he was doing me some sort of favor by letting me in. It’s ironic because here is the most unfriendly and unwelcoming person I’ve ever comes across and he’s selling the hand made Jewlery of some of the most welcoming and friendly people that lost their land to Europeans (like himself) due to that very friendliness. What a shame.

I have been to this store countless times where I have had custom pendants made and even my best friend had his wife’s engagement ring made there. The store is definitely all about American Indian artifacts and jewelry but the items that I have had made there are definitely not. The owner is a true artist and craftsman and can make anything you want at great prices. When he could not size a ring for me because he was going out of town, and I was in a time crunch, he made a wonderful recommendation of someone who could meet my time constraint and do a great job.

I have never in my life been so disrespected or treated rudely as a customer before. My husband and I went in looking for a special gift for a Singaporean. Admittedly, we did look at every dream catcher (none, were right) and then ended up with a prayer fan. However, he didn’t have any other customers, so I didn’t think anything of it. Then, a week later my trip to Singapore got cancelled, so I called him (same person) and asked if they refunded or just took returns. He asked what it was and I said prayer fan and he said — oh, I don’t take anything back that has feathers. And I don’t really want that back.” I said, Are you kidding me — I just bought it a week ago, it’s still in the tissue that you wrapped it in and it’s been untouched. «How much was it?» he asks. I say, $ 60. Then he says,“Look, I don’t want to deal with you because you took twenty minutes to pick something out.” CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? Total shock. I told him I couldn’t believe he saying that and then he said begrudgingly, «Okay, I’ll take it back». I am still in shock at how rude and disrespected I was. Seriously, yes, I looked at each thing carefully — yet I wasn’t obnoxious, put everything back in its place. Only go if you want surly rudeness.

Before the White man arrived on these Pacific shores, it was the Iroquois, the Algonquin, the Shawnee, Cheyenne, Sioux, and the Navajo that ruled these lands. Descendants of these great nations continue to preserve the ancient traditions, customs, and craftwork. Catch a glimpse of this timeless eye candy at Taos. On display are tomahawks, arrowheads, weave baskets, peace pipes and jewelry you won’t find anywhere else in the LA metro.
All the turquoise and silver ornaments are handmade from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Study the stunning custom knives outfitted with precious stone and bone handles. The proprietor, Todd Swift, an Irish gentleman, is extraordinarily friendly and eager to educate you about the history of each bracelet, ring, and medallion you wanna take home with you. That’s a piece of history around your neck, partner. northeast of the Promenade.
… Albuquerque (NM) jewelry enthusiast, Todd Swift, was raised in his parent’s Native American Gallery amid Navajo silversmiths like Esther Wood. From her he learned to solder, string necklaces and make silver hooks and eyes. Mr. Swift has designed custom jewelry for movies like Windtalkers, Lonesome Dove, Dances With Wolves and Get Shorty.