Mia and Ben Nelson
For the Nelson family of Highlands and Naples, Florida, working together at Silver Eagle has been a wonderful way to combine their talents and prosper.
Silver Eagle began in Wisconsin 51 years ago as a 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.
L to R: Heather Neils, Ben, Deborah and Craig Nelson
The Nelsons began a lifetime of learning about Native American history, art, and culture.
“We love the personal connection between the jewelry and the artist,” Craig said. “The sterling silver pieces we sell are handmade by American artists not mass produced in a Chinese factory.”
L to R: Cathy Hansen, Jen Abeyta, Maxine Smith, and Sophia Waters
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 the reservations in New Mexico and Arizona for jewelry, and years of developing 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.” Deborah said, “We are proud of the way we have represented Native Americans.”
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. It became a family business when Ben became the gallery manager.
A few years later, 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. Soon after, Ben’s wife, Mia, owner of Highlands Mountain Paws, began assisting with buying and display.
“It is a joy to work with our adult children,” said Deborah. “They have grown up in this business. Now, they bring their own artistic talents and vision which keeps our business current and fresh.”
In 2006, the Nelson family decided to expand and add a gem and mineral department to both galleries. “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,” said Craig.
Word spread quickly and both galleries have attracted customers interested in geology, science and metaphysics.
Craig and Deborah Nelson
“We have had a great time learning about the 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,” said Deborah. “It seems we’ve found a great combination. Treasures from the earth and metaphysical items work so well with indigenous art.”
This year Heather, Ben and Mia will purchase Silver Eagle and take over the reins as owners. Craig and Deborah will 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,” said Deborah.
“We will be there to advise, and we are confident our family’s business is in capable hands,” added Craig.
Four young grandchildren are already helping out at times so the legacy of this family business will continue.
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