Navajo Family Reports $175K Jewelry Theft in San Jose

A Navajo family of jewelry artisans from Flagstaff, Arizona, suffered a devastating theft when hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of their handmade Native American jewelry and tools were stolen from their locked trailer in San Jose while attending the Stanford Powwow. The trailer, parked in a hotel lot, was broken into overnight by thieves who drilled through the lock, resulting in the loss of invaluable handcrafted pieces made over decades and irreplaceable natural stones. Each piece bore a unique 'H and J' trademark symbol and Diné stamp, which the family is now using to seek public help in identifying and recovering the stolen items. Despite the financial and emotional toll, the family remains committed to their craft and community, with their grandchildren actively assisting police investigations and raising awareness through social media and fundraising. San Jose police are investigating the incident but have not reported any suspects. The family expressed the deep personal impact of the theft, emphasizing the cultural and generational significance of their jewelry beyond its monetary value.