Our Philosophy

A bit of history

All started in 1971 in a garage.

Gerard "Harpo" Nadaud, 25 years old, evolving in the world of the clothing industry, discovers through a close relationship, the Native American craft industry... and it is love at first sight!

He is attracted by these jewels full of history. There main element is the turquoise stone. For the Native people it happens to be a magic and protective stone.

Wishing to know more about the art of the Natives, Gerard found himself on the road to the Red and dusty Lands of the Great American West. He made several trips there, from New Mexico to Nevada through Arizona and he met Native American silversmiths. He brought back stunning jewelry in his suitcases. At that time, he exposed a few pieces in turquoise in his new showroom, rue Michel Lecomte, for wholesale only. Year after year, the small company, strong of its success, became the place to be for the American Turquoise. This stone of unparalleled magnetism also attracts the passersby.

Gérard then decided to broaden his horizons to everyone and to open a retail boutique, dedicated exclusively to Native American craftsmanship, right in front of his showroom. Later, he opened another store, rue des Canettes. But at the end of the 90's, he desired to find a beautiful showcase in order to exhibit exceptional pieces (wholesale & retail). This is how the 19 rue de Turbigo became the unique place of Native American handmade elegance. As his family tribe grown, he passionately transmitted his knowledge, enthusiasm and sharp eye to his elder daughter Dorothée. All these elements enable HARPO to offer you the most beautiful jewels from the Great West.

Our ethics

Since day one, we have established a relationship of trust, esteem and respect with the artists we work with. Over time and through our many travels throughout these five decades, we have built a unique and privileged linked with the Native people we know.

These silversmiths artists have been passing on their know-how to their families for more than 150 years, and we have naturally been led to follow them from generation to generation. Thus Gerard having founded the bases with the elders, we have taken over with their children, in order to continue this beautiful adventure as long as possible.

Whether it is with the Navajo, the Hopi, the Zuni and the Pueblo, we adapt ourselves to the rhythm and the speciality of each one of them. It sometimes requires patience, time, and perseverance, but the love of these pieces is stronger than anything else! We are like kids, each trip amazes us and always surprises us with the treasures we find.

As a result, the jewelry and other Native American objects we find, outstand by their quality and authenticity.

We invite you to travel in our shop dedicated to the American Southwest : we are gathering a colossal stock, jewelry, decorations, various objects and all kind of unique or limited edition pieces, signed by great Native American artists.

The great diversity of these pieces with turquoise stones, all chosen one by one, shows the wide range of colors and styles that is done in the Native American jewelry. During each trip across the Atlantic, we select new ones. You will never find two perfectly identical jewels and your jewel will be unique.

Why so many choices? Because each and every Harpo's customer is unique. There is something for everyone. In our shop, you will meet fashion enthusiasts, collectors, business men and executive women, students, gemstone enthusiasts and celebrities... All of them are novices as well as connoisseurs.

Our jewels are made in sterling silver, set with natural genuine turquoise, exclusively American, with multiple tones going from brown to green and (obviously) so many shades of blue. We also find stunning pieces in skins, pearls and other noble materials... Each piece of jewelry or object carries the heritage of a proud people with an incomparable know-how.

HARPO: the Tribe

Great by its notoriety, humble by its operation, HARPO is a family business.

In its unmissable boutique at 19 rue de Turbigo in Paris, you must have seen Gerard for decades : the discreet Big Chief, arms folded behind his back and a little smile under his white moustache. Nowadays, you might be lucky enough to meet his elder daughter, Dorothée who is the Big Chief now.

With Valentine and Ella, they are the "Three Sisters"... just like the Native American agricultural technique where the Three Sisters represent corn, bean and squash, three plants that create strong, enduring crops when grown together: beans twine around the corn's tall stalks and the corn's broad leaves retain the ideal moisture level on the ground for squash to develop.

Just as these three complementary plants provide the best crops, the three HARPO daughters work to keep up with the tradition of their father's business: the first purchases, the second sells, and the third looks after the books.

The HARPO team also includes exceptional, passionate and attentive salespeople who create customer loyalty from their personal service. Thanks to them, people are enthusiast visiting the store for the first time and they are drawn back again and again. Every time they learn a little more about the philosophy of the Native Americans, whose culture held such a fascination for us as children. Some customers have been regulars since the establishment opened, whereas others have just discovered it. Needless to say, we pay particular attention to each and every one of them.

In just half a century, HARPO has evolved across fashions and trends while sticking to its authentic and traditional core nature of high-quality limited editions.

“Not just a present but a way of life”.