For the Nelson family of Naples and Highlands, North Carolina, working together at Silver Eagle has been a wonderful way to combine their talents and flourish.

Silver Eagle began in Wisconsin 51 years ago as the dream of Craig and Deborah Nelson. With Craig’s background in botany and Deborah’s background in art, they decided to open a small retail store selling live plants, local art, handmade pottery, and Native American jewelry. The Nelsons began a lifelong journey of learning about Native American history, art, and culture. “We love the personal connection between the jewelry and the artist. The sterling silver pieces we sell are handmade by American artists, not mass-produced in a Chinese factory,” remarks Craig.

In 1996, they opened another store in Naples. The success of the Naples store required the Nelsons to travel more often. Trips to the Dakotas for Plains art, travels along the Rio Grande River for pueblo pottery, visits to reservations in New Mexico and Arizona for jewelry, and years of building relationships with Native American artists and traders resulted in an impressive collection. “Our personal philosophy of being honest and respectful to our customers and artists is the foundation of Silver Eagle. We are proud of the way we have represented Native Americans,” says Deborah.

On a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains for Cherokee art, the Nelsons fell in love with the area and purchased a farm near Highlands, North Carolina. Their son, Ben, a silversmith, potter, and glassblower, had just finished college. In 2002, Silver Eagle opened in Highlands, becoming a family business when Ben stepped into the role of gallery manager.

A few years later, their daughter, Heather, a professional fashion photographer in New York, joined the family on buying trips to the West. In 2010, she moved to Naples and developed the company’s website, SilverEagleGallery.com. In 2012, Heather took over as manager and creative director of the Naples gallery. “It is a joy to work with our adult children. They have grown up in this business. Now they bring their own artistic talents and vision, which keeps our business current and fresh,” says Deborah.

Ten years ago, the Nelson family decided to expand both galleries by adding a gem and mineral department. “We’ve continued to have a strong emphasis on Native American art, and the addition of crystals, gems, and fossils has added a new dimension,” says Craig. “Word spread quickly, and both galleries have attracted customers interested in geology, science, and metaphysics. We have had a great time learning about gems and minerals. Buying trips to gem shows and connections with miners and traders from Brazil, Madagascar, Tucson, Peru, and Mexico have been exciting for all of us,” recalls Deborah. “It seems we’ve found a great combination. Treasures from the earth and metaphysical items pair beautifully with Indigenous art.”

In December, Heather will purchase Silver Eagle Gallery of Naples, and Ben will purchase Silver Eagle Gallery of Highlands. The time has come for them to take over the reins as owners, as Craig and Deborah step into a well-deserved retirement. “It has been a wonderful collaboration, and we are so grateful to have spent so many years working alongside our family,” says Deborah. “We will be there to advise, and we are confident our family’s business is in capable hands,” adds Craig. Four young grandchildren are already helping at times, so the legacy of this family business will continue.