Fritz Casuse, Navajo, is an award-winning jewelry designer, sculptor, and artist. He is known for his mastery and distinctive vision for pulling together details that reflect the values and symbols of his heritage, while also highlighting the beauty of nature. Collectors who wear his jewelry designs are fond of the bold gemstone centerpieces and Sterling Silver intricacies that are hallmarks of his work. These eye-catching details are always a conversation starter ~ bringing together a community that shares the same passion for gemstone jewelry and appreciation for Western fashion.
Fritz is also a teacher to many and a dear friend of our founders, Carolyn & Bill Pollack. At American West Jewelry, we are proud to have the honor of presenting Fritz’s designs to our collectors. This blog features some of our favorite treasures. Check out the Fritz Casuse Collection to browse all styles from Fritz!
Sterling Silver Multi-Gemstone Fritz Casuse Heart Hummingbird Pendant Enhancer
A Celebration of Color and Nature
This lovely pendant enhancer is adorned with thoughtful details ~ a sure sign that Fritz Casuse designed it. The hummingbird and the heart are the most noticeable features of the Sterling Silver, carefully embellished by the texture of feathers and florals. The hinged bail is also cleverly crafted into a squash blossom! The artistic elements are accented with genuine Blue Turquoise, Variscite, Orange Spiny Oyster, and Red Onyx. If you love the sky-high spirit of flying animals, Fritz also designed a Dragonfly Pendant Enhancer featuring Abalone Shell and Green Variscite!
Sterling Silver Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Fritz Casuse Heart Hummingbird Earrings
A Story Told by Hummingbirds
For a captivatingly bold look that really embraces Southwestern style, pair these earrings with the multi-gem pendant enhancer featured first in this blog! The singular Blue Turquoise cabochons on each earring beautifully complement the colorful pendant enhancer ~ but they also make this pair of earrings stand out on its own too! Along with the clever details in Sterling Silver, Fritz’s hallmark signature in his jewelry design usually includes vibrant gemstones that illuminate and enchant.
Sterling Silver Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Swiss Blue Topaz Fritz Casuse Hummingbird Ring
A Gift Brought by the Hummingbird
This ring highlights Fritz’s extraordinary talent in capturing nature's beautiful and lively creations in intriguing ways. The hummingbird in this ring stands out among the other hummingbird accessories Fritz has designed because rather than flying, this bird is instead perched on a Sleeping Beauty Turquoise gemstone and gifting us with its presence. True to Fritz’s design style, a Swiss Blue Topaz glistens and glimmers inside of a flower under the bird’s beak to make an enchanting statement.
Sterling Silver Fritz Casuse Bold Owl Design Pendant Enhancer
A Token of Wisdom from the Owl
Hummingbirds aren’t the only flying animal whose spirit Fritz has masterfully sculpted into his designs. This pendant enhancer foregoes the usual gemstone centerpiece, instead putting the owl’s presence in front and center of the all-Sterling Silver feather details ~ making the design a very special treat from Fritz! The owl’s wing is gracefully folded over the front, creating an elongated shape to the pendant’s overall design. Even better, this pendant enhancer has a matching Bold Owl Ring, making the perfect duo for collectors who love to accentuate outfits with all-Sterling Silver jewelry.
If you love Fritz’s animal designs, but are looking for a critter that’s more grounded, the turtle might be just right for you. Explore the Fritz Casuse Split Shank Turtle Ring and Turtle Dangle Earrings. Got a different spirit animal? Check out our full Spirit Stones Collection!
Sterling Silver Fritz Casuse Textured Naja Ring
A Spiritual Balance Inspired by Nature
The Naja design, which means “moon” in Navajo, is commonly seen in Southwestern accessories. Naja jewelry is typically accented by multiple squash blossom details around the edges or ends ~ but Fritz masterfully uses a single large squash blossom as a centerpiece for this ring rather than an accompanying detail. The texture inside of the Naja is inspired by the sun and thunderbird detailing. All these symbols coming together represent a spiritual balance. If you love this design, take a look at the next accessory in this blog for earrings with similar features!
Sterling Silver Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Fritz Casuse Oval Gemstone Naja Earrings
A Reflection of the Desert Sky
These earrings pair well with the Naja ring spotlighted above for an intricately detailed look but can also be worn as the stars of their own show. These earrings feature most of the same characteristics as the ring, but with a bold gemstone directly in the center. The Sleeping Beauty Turquoise truly makes this pair a reflection of the vast sky above the desert. The Naja symbolizes the moon, the Sterling Silver details feature the sun, and the mesmerizing blue color of the gemstone mirrors the clarity of clear skies on a warm summer day. These earrings also come in Lapis, Black Agate, and White Mother of Pearl.
Sterling Silver Picture Jasper Fritz Casuse Arrowhead Pendant Enhancer
An Arrowhead to Point the Way
In addition to intricate details in the Sterling Silver and eye-catching gemstone embellishments, Fritz’s design also notably features textures that give depth to each piece. Fritz started his career as a sculptor, so it’s only natural to find his jewelry designs reflecting the styles of intriguing details usually found in sculptures. This arrowhead pendant enhancer design proudly displays that. This pendant enhancer also comes in Red Jasper and Lapis. Do you love arrowhead jewelry from Fritz? Check out the Fritz Casuse Collection on our website to collect arrowhead earrings, rings, and bracelets!