SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
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.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
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.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
