Vibrant displays of handcrafted jewelry at a powwow showcasing Native American culture.
A Navajo family attending a powwow in San Jose, California, experienced a devastating theft when approximately $300,000 worth of handcrafted jewelry was stolen from their trailer. Maryetta and Henry Jackson, renowned silversmiths, expressed deep emotional distress over the loss, as many pieces hold significant personal and cultural value. Efforts are underway to recover the stolen items, with a GoFundMe page set up to support the family’s jewelry business during this challenging time.
A Navajo family had approximately $300,000 worth of handcrafted jewelry stolen from their trailer while attending a cultural powwow in San Jose, California. Maryetta and Henry Jackson, who have been silversmithing since 1972, drove 12 hours from Flagstaff, Arizona, to showcase their creations at the Stanford University Powwow.
The Jacksons, owners of H.J. Jewelers, brought with them over $175,000 in handmade Native American jewelry. Each piece is a representation of their heritage and is crafted using materials such as sterling silver, gold (14k and 18k), copper, and more than 45 varieties of natural stones. The family prefers to sell their jewelry in person, believing it helps them connect with buyers and highlight the unique qualities of the materials they use.
On the night prior to discovering the theft, the Jacksons parked their trailer in a well-lit hotel parking lot, feeling confident in the safety of the location. However, upon waking Friday morning, they found that their trailer had been burglarized, and all contents inside were missing. The trailer was locked with padlocks, but the thieves managed to drill through them, indicating a planned and determined attack.
The estimated value of the stolen jewelry ranges significantly, with estimates between $175,000 and $300,000. Family members expressed profound emotional distress, as many items held irreplaceable personal and cultural significance. Maryetta Jackson articulated the anguish of losing not only valuable materials but years of careful craftsmanship and the passion behind each piece.
In response to the incident, the Jackson’s grandchildren established a GoFundMe page to assist their grandparents in rebuilding their jewelry business. The granddaughter, Tracie Jackson, underscored the critical importance of community support, especially as the family navigates this challenging period following the theft.
To aid in the recovery of their stolen treasures, the Jackson family is urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of their distinctive jewelry. Each piece is marked with a unique HJ symbol and a Diné stamp, providing identification that may assist law enforcement in connecting stolen items to their rightful owners.
The Jacksons have officially reported the burglary to the San Jose Police Department, which has actively begun investigating the theft. Police confirmed they are following up on the case and taking reports of vehicle burglary seriously.
The Jacksons remain hopeful for the return of their stolen possessions and wish for the thieves to understand the deep value of what they have taken. They emphasize that the stolen pieces represent not just monetary worth, but the very essence of their family heritage and craftsmanship.
This unfortunate incident highlights the vulnerability that artisans and small business owners face during public events and strong local community ties can play a crucial role in providing support during challenging times.
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