Robert Rosetta

Robert Rosetta is a distinguished jewelry artist from Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa Pueblo) in New Mexico, celebrated for his mastery of traditional mosaic inlay designs. Deeply connected to the artistic heritage of his community, Rosetta creates handcrafted pieces that honor the historic and highly collectible “Depression-era” style of Pueblo jewelry. His work stands as a beautiful testament to Native American resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring legacy of Santo Domingo craftsmanship.

Specializing in distinctive mosaic overlays, Rosetta utilizes premium natural stones and shells, including high-grade turquoise, vibrant red coral, mother-of-pearl, and spiny oyster. True to ancestral resourcefulness, he meticulously sets these colorful materials against lightweight, jet-black backgrounds crafted from repurposed materials such as vintage vinyl records and plastics. This historic technique, born out of necessity during the 1930s when traditional silver and shell backing were scarce, gives his jewelry an authentic, vintage-inspired aesthetic paired with modern refinement.

While rooted in these deeply historical methods, Robert Rosetta continues to bring exceptional technical precision to his wearable art. Each individually crafted piece—often featuring striking geometric patterns or classic Thunderbird motifs—reflects his strong cultural foundation and artistic voice. Today, his jewelry is highly sought after by collectors of authentic Native American art and Southwestern jewelry who value historical accuracy, quality materials, and a tangible connection to Kewa Pueblo traditions.