Best Art/Artisan Jewelry

Carlos Diaz Silversmiths and Goldsmiths

There's jewelry, and then there's jewelry. There's the little Made in China cross with the diamond chip you get from Sears, and then there's the heavy, smooth silver-and-turquoise crucifix made by the craftsmen at Carlos Diaz. Beautiful, simple designs in the classic Mexican silverworking tradition are the house specialty; gold and high-quality Indian jewelry are also available. And Carlos Diaz is one of the few places around that still does custom work. Deck yourself in silver and turquoise like one of the great old doyennes of Southwestern style, acquire something your great grandkids will fight over, or just look--but do check out this timeless Tucson classic.

Runners up:

2. TIE Obsidian Gallery, 4340 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 90

2. TIE Piney Hollow, 427 N. Fourth Ave.