Victoria Adams: Weaving Heritage and Innovation in Contemporary Native Jewelry

Adams’ creative process involves a masterful juxtaposition of materials and meanings. Her pieces combine precious metals, gemstones, and fossils with plant, animal, and human forms, each element carefully chosen to express her heritage, experiences, and values. The result is jewelry that speaks eloquently of tradition and innovation, such as her signature arrowhead and white diamond earrings in 18k gold, which exemplifies her ability to merge cultural symbols with contemporary elegance.

For Adams, there is no hierarchy between materials or styles. “When I dress for a fine evening in New York or for a night of dancing at one of my favorite pow-wows, the glint of my silver earrings, like the sparkle of a diamond, makes me feel elegant and proud,” she says. This democratic approach to materials allows her to create culturally significant and universally appealing pieces.