Daniel Coriz creates jewelry that brings Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa) traditions to life through his skilled hands and creative vision. Growing up in a community famous for heishi beadwork, he learned to shape shells and stones into smooth beads that he fashioned into beautiful necklaces, in addition to making earrings and pendants. His inlay pieces also feature the intricate turquoise and silver work that makes Native American jewelry so special and sought after. Through every piece he makes, Daniel shares the cultural stories and artistic excellence long treasured by his tribe.
Meet Daniel Coriz
Daniel Coriz was born in 1964 in Santo Domingo Pueblo, where he remains to this day and makes his living as a jewelry artist. His education in the arts began at home with his mother, Nestoria Coriz, and grandfather, Lupe Pena, who taught him the traditional methods of working with silver and creating exquisite stone beads. Daniel first pursued a degree in electronics, but when he had a son, he joined the Army Reserve and switched to studying nursing to support his family. His handmade jewelry was also a significant source of income during this period.
Over time, the artist’s impressive work has earned him the limelight at prestigious events, including first place at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonials, and his jewelry has been featured in New Mexico Magazine and at the Smithsonian Institute. Daniel’s love of helping others inspired him to join community leadership, where he became mayor of Kewa at the age of 42. He later served as Lieutenant Governor of Kewa in 2012, continuing a family tradition of public service that started with his great-grandfather, Santiago Pena. Today, Daniel balances his roles as an artist, a tribal leader, and a father, passing his jewelry-making skills to one of his two sons.
Discover Daniel Coriz’s Work
Daniel Coriz shapes raw stones into stunning mosaic inlay jewelry using techniques that reflect sophisticated style, vibrant details, and cultural significance passed down through generations of his family and community members. His work features natural, hand-cut materials, such as turquoise, coral, spiny oyster shell, and lapis lazuli. You will find stunning earrings, necklaces, and pendants in our impressive collection of the artist’s work.
Earrings
Daniel Coriz makes earrings with striking geometric patterns that showcase complex mosaic inlay work. The artist carefully cuts and places stones in lovely colors such as orange, purple, blue, green, and red to create beautiful contrasts that catch the eye from every angle. His work features bold combinations of turquoise, spiny shell, and mother-of-pearl set against dramatic black jet backgrounds. Sterling silver details add elegant finishing touches that complement the vivid stone colors. These post-style earrings are designed in teardrop, pear, and oval shapes, bringing a special look to any fashion attire, whether casual or formal.
Pendants
The artist’s pendants typically incorporate high-quality turquoise stones from well-known mines such as Sleeping Beauty and Kingman, loved by many for their rich, earthy hues. In some pendants, the surrounding inlay work uses precisely cut coral, spiny oyster, and mother-of-pearl. Daniel also often adds sterling silver bails and decorative spacer beads that enhance the beauty as well as the functionality of each pendant. In addition to geometric patterns, some of his pendants are also shaped into the famous naja, as well as crosses featuring dazzling turquoise clusters.
Necklaces
Daniel favors necklaces made of multiple strands of hand-shaped jet, abalone, and turquoise beads. He creates bead shapes that include discs, nuggets, and tubes, providing textural variety and visual movement throughout each composition. The artist’s designs range from elegant single-strand pieces to elaborate seven-strand necklaces, sometimes featuring matching inlay pendants as focal points. Some of the popular styles include traditional heishi beadwork, mixed stone arrangements, and classic squash blossom designs.
Shop Daniel Coriz’s Jewelry at SilverTQ
Daniel Coriz’s handmade jewelry collection at SilverTQ offers you the opportunity to adorn yourself with pieces that celebrate Native American jewelry through contemporary artistic expression. You will find jewelry that goes beyond accessories, connecting you with Daniel’s rich cultural heritage. Explore Daniel Coriz’s exclusive designs on our website and add meaningful beauty to your jewelry collection.
FAQs
How do I know this jewelry is authentic?
SilverTQ sources all pieces by Daniel Coriz directly from the artist to guarantee their authenticity and quality. You can verify your jewelry by checking for his hallmark, “D. Coriz,” hand-stamped on many pieces along with his eagle insignia.
How do I care for my jewelry?
Avoid using chemicals, soap, and water, since they can damage the silver and the stones. Gently use a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and dust from the turquoise. Clean the metal parts separately with a silver polish and a different cloth. When you’re not wearing your jewelry, store it in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box away from direct sunlight.
