Chamade is a wonderful jeweler which offers a wide range of jewelry items. Several different artists where showcased in various places through the shop. Fine jewelry such as 14, 18, or 22 karat gold bracelets, chains, and rings, and south sea pearl strands can be found with a platinum selection, estate jewelry and Texas charms.
Their Native American collection is impressive and they sell ethnic offerings from the Hopi, Navajo and Zuni reservations. Chamade is a member of the Indian Arts & Crafts Association, ensuring their merchandise is authentic. In addition to jewelry, other Native American items are available such as handcrafted concho belts, bolo ties, squash blossoms, and shell necklaces. Brightly colored turquoise, coral, and amber pieces are highlighted. Some unique fetish carvings are also for sale.
My favorite type of jewelry is designer pieces and Chamade offers plenty. Decorative stones, radiant gems, and designer sterling silver allow the shopper to pick out a unique item to make a personal statement with their jewelry selections. Some of the silver pieces with inlaid turquoise are intricately made and very delicate in appearance.
In the front of the store we found some unusual jewelry boxes. They were handmade out of different types of wood and were almost like puzzle boxes of some sort. You had to take out certain pieces of wood to get the lid open. On the inside, the boxes are designed well and have several little compartments to hold smaller items.
According to the store brochure, Chamade (pronounced "sha-mod") is a French term used to convey happiness, excitement, and the heart-pounding rush of a first time love. Even if you are not shopping for jewelry, it is worth stopping in to appreciate the artwork of the pieces.