About Rio Grande Jewelry

Rio Grande Jewelry is a wholesale supplier whose roots go back 50 years. The company was founded on hard work, integrity, and the spirit of entrepreneurship just near the close of World War II. The company started mainly as a silver company, but it has grown to include a vast number of jewelry varieties. The Rio Grande jewelry company is known for its high quality at wholesale supply prices. Additionally, the company instituted a jewelry design award in honor of its founder, Saul Bell. Every year jewelers world wide participate in this design competition for a 30,000 dollar prize. The founder of Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, Saul Bell, moved his new bride Olive to Albuquerque, New Mexico in the early 1940s. When the own of an old trading post on Route 66 died, Bell bought the establishment and started his jewelry business. He supplied craftsmen and silversmiths with the materials they needed to create beautiful and unique jewelry. When times were tough, he extended these workers credit, so that they could continue to have the supplies they needed. By 1947 the idea of wholesale had taken hold at Rio Grande jewelry, and the

company began shipping to many new places. In addition to the design competition and award offered each year by Rio Grande jewelry, the company also founded the Santa Fe Symposium, which is a yearly gathering of jewelers from all over the world. At this symposium, jewelers are encouraged to share tips and techniques, as well as show their designs. Additionally, there are seminars on business help to help independent jewelers and craftspersons more effectively run their businesses. From a small silver working establishment in the southwest of the United States, Rio Grande Jewelry Supply has grown into a large and reputable company that offers everything include high quality gemstones.