A Short History of Indian Jewelers Supply Company

As World War Two continued to rage on, Indian Jewelers Supply Company (IJS) was founded by M.L. Woodard, on July 3, 1943 in Gallup, New Mexico. The United States government had declared silver and many other metals to be strategic commodities for the war effort. This led to severe restrictions on the use and sale of silver, gold, and copper. Metalsmiths, including the Native Americans of the Southwest, were denied access to the necessary materials to practice their craft. Therefore, the United Indian Traders Association (UITA) lobbied the Congressional delegations and the legislators of New Mexico and Arizona, for a Federal license to distribute silver. Once Woodard was awarded the license on behalf of the UITA, he founded IJS in order to supply the all-around needs of the local metalsmith community.

IJS remained in the hands of M. L. Woodard until 1952, when he sold the firm. The company was owned by Carl Hines and H. J. “Slim” Brazier between 1952 and 1964. In December, 1964, M.L. Woodard would buy the company back, after the death of Brazier. He then turned over operation and management duties to his son, Phillip Woodard. After M. L. Woodard’s death in 1967, Phillip continued to manage the family business, until he bought out the remaining family shareholders and became the sole shareholder 1973.

IJS expanded in 1976, opening a location in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This allowed IJS to extend its distinctive product line and well-known quality customer service to a thriving artist and manufacturing community, which had previously only been served through the mail, or through deliveries from Gallup. The Albuquerque location was relocated to the current site in 1991 to better serve the clientele of that community.

The business continued to expand with the purchase of an Albuquerque-based metals fabrication and findings manufacturer, in 1983. Now IJS has the capacity to develop and produce proprietary findings and stampings, wire products and specialty strip items which have become an integral part of the distinct product offerings. To complete the product line IJS opened a casting shop in Gallup in 1991. The casting division provides quality castings for the IJS basic product line as well as customer specific design castings and molding services for our clients.

IJS joined the digital age in 1997, with the launch of our first website. The website has allowed IJS to serve thousands more customers worldwide. With the launching of our new website, IJS hopes to expand the community of metalsmiths with more information, interaction, and service.

In 1994, the employees proudly purchased the company from Phillip Woodard. IJS has remained an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company to the present day. The company continued to be successful under the leadership of the first President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Caldes. In April of 2009, David Vining became the new President and CEO of IJS; under his leadership, IJS is expanding into new areas of jewelry creation and improving our already lauded customer service.

IJS will continue to provide high quality precious metals and other metals cut to custom lengths. We also provide custom stamps, high quality turquoise, superior quality American made findings, and same day or next day shipping on orders. The company has also been a long term presence at the annual Tucson gem and mineral shows. Come and see us at the Holidome!