CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92
The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former Colorado senator and the founder of Nighthorse Jewelry, died Dec. 30, 2025, at the age of 92.
Colorado—Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former Colorado senator and the founder of Nighthorse Jewelry, died Dec. 30, 2025, in his southwestern Colorado ranch surrounded by family and Northern Cheyenne tribal elders.
He was 92.
Born Benny Marshall Campbell on April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, he was the son of Portuguese immigrant Mary Vierra and Albert Campbell.
His mother battled tuberculosis for 26 years, and his father struggled with alcoholism and was often absent, according to an obituary shared by his daughter Shanan Campbell, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery.
This led to Ben spending a portion of his childhood at St. Patrick’s Catholic Orphanage in Sacramento, California.
As a child, his father taught him to solder metal and fashion jewelry, said his NY Times obituary.
While at the orphanage, he would flatten silver coins on railroad tracks and work them into jewelry, which could also be traded for food.
“Making jewelry was a matter of necessity,” said Ben, remembering the time he spent making jewelry with his father for a 2014 story by Art of the West.
“We made things out of coins. We pounded them out, working mostly with Navajo designs. Letting the trains flatten pennies and silver dollars made the work easier for us.”
Art was his constant, said Shanan, and would lead to Ben earning more than 200 national and international awards with his brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
After his turbulent teenage years, he enlisted in the Air Force and volunteered for the Korean War.
Prior to enlisting, he worked as a fruit picker in California’s Sacramento Valley where he met Japanese immigrants who introduced him to judo.
According to his obituary, Ben said that judo kept him off the streets and taught him a philosophy he lived by forever—persevere and never give up.
During his service, he earned his GED and later, under the GI Bill, graduated from San Jose State University in 1957 with degrees in physical education and fine arts.
Ben moved to Tokyo for four years where he trained at Meiji University.
He became a three-time United States National Judo Campion, won gold at the 1963 Pan American Games, campaigned with the United States Olympic judo team, and became the first Native American on the U.S. Olympic judo team.
After the Olympics, he worked as a deputy sheriff, coached the United States national judo team, and taught high school.
This is when he met his wife Linda Price, a Colorado public school teacher, who he married in 1966 and had two children—Shanan and Colin Campbell—with during their nearly 60 years together.
In 1968, Ben investigated his roots by traveling to the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana, said the NY Times.
While in Montana, he found previously unknown relatives, enrolled as a member of the Black Horse family, and, in 1980, he was given the middle name Nighthorse.
He went on to serve on the council of chiefs for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.
Ben founded his brand Nighthorse Jewelry in 1954, according to the brand’s website, drawing on techniques he learned from Japanese sword makers.
He was 92.
Born Benny Marshall Campbell on April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, he was the son of Portuguese immigrant Mary Vierra and Albert Campbell.
His mother battled tuberculosis for 26 years, and his father struggled with alcoholism and was often absent, according to an obituary shared by his daughter Shanan Campbell, owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery.
This led to Ben spending a portion of his childhood at St. Patrick’s Catholic Orphanage in Sacramento, California.
As a child, his father taught him to solder metal and fashion jewelry, said his NY Times obituary.
While at the orphanage, he would flatten silver coins on railroad tracks and work them into jewelry, which could also be traded for food.
“Making jewelry was a matter of necessity,” said Ben, remembering the time he spent making jewelry with his father for a 2014 story by Art of the West.
“We made things out of coins. We pounded them out, working mostly with Navajo designs. Letting the trains flatten pennies and silver dollars made the work easier for us.”
Art was his constant, said Shanan, and would lead to Ben earning more than 200 national and international awards with his brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
After his turbulent teenage years, he enlisted in the Air Force and volunteered for the Korean War.
Prior to enlisting, he worked as a fruit picker in California’s Sacramento Valley where he met Japanese immigrants who introduced him to judo.
According to his obituary, Ben said that judo kept him off the streets and taught him a philosophy he lived by forever—persevere and never give up.
During his service, he earned his GED and later, under the GI Bill, graduated from San Jose State University in 1957 with degrees in physical education and fine arts.
Ben moved to Tokyo for four years where he trained at Meiji University.
He became a three-time United States National Judo Campion, won gold at the 1963 Pan American Games, campaigned with the United States Olympic judo team, and became the first Native American on the U.S. Olympic judo team.
After the Olympics, he worked as a deputy sheriff, coached the United States national judo team, and taught high school.
This is when he met his wife Linda Price, a Colorado public school teacher, who he married in 1966 and had two children—Shanan and Colin Campbell—with during their nearly 60 years together.
In 1968, Ben investigated his roots by traveling to the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana, said the NY Times.
While in Montana, he found previously unknown relatives, enrolled as a member of the Black Horse family, and, in 1980, he was given the middle name Nighthorse.
He went on to serve on the council of chiefs for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.
Ben founded his brand Nighthorse Jewelry in 1954, according to the brand’s website, drawing on techniques he learned from Japanese sword makers.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell started his jewelry brand, Nighthorse Jewelry, in 1954.
The “Horse and Warrior” bracelet from Nighthorse Jewelry
As a master jeweler his pieces have been collected by celebrities including Mick Jagger, Robert Redford, and several U.S. presidents.
Nighthorse Jewelry was more than his art, “it was his story, his spirit, and his values made tangible,” his obituary said.
In his later years, his family carried on his legacy, which his daughter Shanan said was one of his greatest joys as he saw a new chapter of his life’s work come alive.
Ben saw his grandson Luke Longfellow, a GIA graduate gemologist, become creative director of Nighthorse Jewelry, bringing renewed energy and excitement to the work, which brought Ben immense pride.
Shanan recounted her father saying, “this was one of the most fulfilling times of his life.”
Ben also served in public office for 22 years.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell became state representative for Colorado in 1982 and was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1986 before becoming a senator in 1992.
In 1982, he ran for state representative in Colorado and won. In 1986, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1992, he served in the U.S. Senate.
He was the first Native American elected to the Senate in more than 60 years, according to Alamosa Citizen.
During his time in office, he fought to include provisions requiring the return of Native American remains to their tribes.
Shanan said her father taught her that “perseverance beats luck, that fierce and tender are not contradictions, and that honoring your ancestors means fighting for the future.”
Ben sponsored two national museums in Washington, D.C., helped create two national parks, and has a lake—Lake Nighthorse—named after him.
During his time in office, he remained unapologetically himself, riding his Harley to the Capitol and leading the Colorado POW and MIA Recognition Ride for a decade.
He left the Senate in 2005 and became a lobbyist, later founding his own lobbying firm Ben Nighthorse Consultants, according to the NY Times.
Ben’s honors include the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom, the Order of the Rising Sun from Emperor Akihito in 2011, his induction into the National Native Americal Hall of Fame in 2021, and the Sovereign Warrior award in 2023.
Shanan said her father showed her that where you start does not determine where you finish.
“He transformed hardship into strength and obstacles into opportunity. He taught me that perseverance beats luck, that reinvention is courage, and that you never give up. He was fierce and tender, an artist and a champion. That is exactly who my father was,” said Shanan.
He is survived by his wife Linda Campell; daughter Shanan Campbell; son Colin Campbell; daughter-in-law Karen Campbell; granddaughters Lauren and Caroline Campbell; and grandsons Luke and Saylor Longfellow.
A private family service will be held at Nighthorse Ranch.
A memorial service will be held on April 13, what would have been Ben’s 93rd birthday, according to CBS News. It is slated for 1 p.m. at the Sky Ute Event Center in Ignacio, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northern Cheyenne Boys and Girls Club in Lame Deer, Montana.
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
