Simply Southwest in Oklahoma City: Southwest Jewelry and Regional Artist Work in Bricktown
Simply Southwest is a jewelry retailer specializing in turquoise, silver, and Native American-inspired pieces located in Bricktown, Oklahoma City's downtown entertainment district near the canal and restaurants. The shop carries both established regional artisans and estate jewelry, positioning itself between high-end fine jewelers and mass-market fashion retailers.
What Simply Southwest Actually Is
The store focuses on Southwest aesthetic: turquoise cabochons set in sterling silver, concho belts, squash blossom necklaces, and bracelets that draw from Navajo, Pueblo, and Zuni design traditions. Inventory includes new work from working artisans as well as vintage and estate pieces. The shop is independently operated, not a franchise or chain outlet, and carries a mix of locally sourced and regional suppliers from Arizona and New Mexico. Scale is compact, typical of Bricktown's retail footprint, which means selection is curated rather than exhaustive.
Jewelry Types and Price Range
New artisan pieces typically range from $40 for small turquoise earrings to $800 for substantial concho belts or high-quality squash blossom necklaces with larger turquoise stones. Estate and vintage inventory falls across the same range but often delivers better value per carat or stone size because older pieces were frequently made with thicker silver and larger natural stones than contemporary production allows. Custom resizing and stone replacement are available; confirm current pricing for resizing work when you call, as labor rates fluctuate seasonally.
The shop does not carry high-end fine jewelry (diamond engagement rings, platinum settings, certified gemstones graded by GIA). It also does not stock fashion jewelry brands or costume pieces, which means prices sit above mall retailers but below independent fine jewelers specializing in custom design.
How Simply Southwest Compares Locally
Oklahoma City's jewelry retail splits into three tiers. Fine jewelers like those in Uptown or medical plazas handle custom design, certification, and luxury materials; they suit engagement rings and heirloom-grade work. Chain retailers (mall anchors, big-box options) offer low-entry-point pieces and fast repair; they are convenient for basics. Simply Southwest occupies the middle: Southwest-specific aesthetic, artisan sourcing, and real materials (sterling and natural turquoise) without the certification and custom-design overhead of fine jewelers. It suits buyers who want authentic regional design and longevity without committing to a $3,000 custom piece or buying anonymous mall stock.
Compared to online Southwest retailers, Simply Southwest's advantage is immediate inspection of turquoise color and stone quality, which varies significantly and matters to buyers seeking a specific shade or pattern. Turquoise sold sight-unseen online often disappoints on arrival.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
The shop is ideal for collectors of Southwest art and jewelry, visitors to Bricktown seeking regional gifts, and buyers looking for statement pieces that pair with casual or bohemian style. It serves people seeking estate jewelry because older pieces offer rarity and often better material value. It does not suit buyers needing fast fashion, certification documents, or conventional fine jewelry (engagement rings, gold chains for formal wear). It also does not suit buyers on a strict sub-$20 budget or those indifferent to material quality and artisan sourcing.
First Visit Expectations
Expect to spend 20 to 45 minutes browsing, depending on whether you come in with a specific piece in mind or are exploring. Staff will answer questions about turquoise origins, artist backgrounds, and stone treatments. If you find a piece that needs resizing or modification, they will estimate the work and timeline. No appointment is required for browsing or inquiries; same-day service is rare, but turnaround for resizing is typically 5 to 10 business days. Try pieces on; turquoise color and silver tone look different on skin than under store lighting.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Simply Southwest is located in Bricktown, where street and metered parking are available within one block. Check current hours before visiting, as retail hours in entertainment districts sometimes shift seasonally or for special events. The shop is within walking distance of other Bricktown restaurants and galleries, so combining a visit with dining or browsing nearby galleries is typical.
Simply Southwest survives in Bricktown because it serves both locals seeking genuine Southwest pieces and tourists seeking regional authenticity beyond chain stores. Its inventory depth and artisan relationships give it credibility that generic retail cannot match.
