The Process

We thought you might like to see the steps we take to handcraft your jewelry.

Drawing to Sample
Then a drawing is developed that the customer likes and Running Buffalo can accomplish. From this drawing a sample is developed. Running Buffalo has hundreds of samples, some of badges, emblems, bolos, earrings and other jewelry items. They have been used by customers in the past and each is kept on file for the future needs of customers.

The setup
Orders for a silver or brass piece of jewelry is taken over the telephone (1-877-566-9626) or by email at running_buffalo@rmi.net.

Making a single item or a group of them.
Here is a picture of hot silver being poured into the sample. The process Running Buffalo uses is the same one that we first practiced on the Navajo Reservation.

Grinding
Here is a picture of the newly cast item having its rough edges ground smooth. This step usually takes two to four different grades of sand paper.

Polish, Polish, Polish
Now the long task of polishing the piece. This polishing takes at least three different tools. Each using various pressures. Names or numbers can then be engraved onto the item as illustrated in the pictures under Our Products.

Putting a back on
Now a backing is soldered onto the piece. The fastener on the back can be a long pin with a safety catch, a bolo enclosure, a tie tack pin or a loop for a chain.

Finishing Your Piece of Jewelry
Once the final polishing process begins, the item is only touched with gloved hands to make sure no oils mar the piece. Each piece is hand polished tenderly using three to five grades of compound and softer and softer rubbings before the object gets shinny enough for its final hand buffing.

Lots of TLC
This final step shows how each piece is inspected by Vicki and given one final tender hand buffing before being placed into its individual protective bag for shipping.

How to Keep Your Jewelry Sparkling
It is recommended that soft gloves be used to handle your jewelry each time it is to be worn. Then, before putting the item away in an air tight container, tenderly buff it with a jewelry cloth. Keep your fine jewelry in a plastic or cloth bag or box.