Lawrence Baca
Lawrence Baca was an award-winning Santa Fe silversmith who started his career in the trade as a salesperson and apprentice to another silversmith, where he learned casting and fabrication. His work was distinguished by a unique style that fused Spanish Colonial and Native American cultural influences, and he was known for using materials like sterling silver and 24k gold. His legacy is continued by his wife, Maria Baca, who also makes jewelry
Leander Tahe
Leander Tahe is a highly respected Navajo (Diné) silversmith known for his bold sterling-silver jewelry and intricate hand-stamped designs. Born in 1955, he learned the art of silversmithing from his father, Dan Tahe, continuing a family tradition of Navajo metalwork. His pieces are recognized for heavy-gauge silver, detailed stampwork, and striking repoussé techniques that create depth and texture. Working primarily in sterling silver, Tahe produces distinctive cuff bracelets, earrings, rings, and pendants that showcase the craftsmanship and heritage of contemporary Navajo jewelry making. His work is widely collected and admired for blending traditional techniques with strong, modern design. Read more: https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/the-silver-artistry-of-leander-tahe-navajo-silversmith
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Leon Martinez
Leon Martinez is a renowned Navajo silversmith from Prewitt, New Mexico, who started making jewelry at age nine with his parents, Leo and Edith Martinez. He is known for blending traditional Navajo styles with contemporary touches, often creating pieces with deep stampwork, heavy-gauge silver, and a distinctive vintage finish. His work is influenced by nature and traditional designs and has earned him top awards at major events like the Navajo Nation Fair and Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial.
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Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Pease is especially known for her vibrant “sampler” designs—striking compositions that showcase a variety of exceptional turquoise stones within a single piece. These works celebrate the rich diversity of Southwestern mines, often featuring stones sourced from Kingman, Morenci, Candelaria, and the rare, lavender-toned Golden Hills turquoise. Her artistry is immediately recognizable through several defining elements: The “Navajo Pearl” Tradition: Her necklaces frequently incorporate handcrafted sterling silver beads—often called “Desert Pearls.” Each bead is individually made, lending her pieces a substantial weight and a luminous, heirloom-quality presence. Intricate Border Work: Stones are set in deep, smooth bezels and framed with refined details such as twisted silver rope, hand-applied silver drops, and traditional “star concho” accents. Contemporary Mirror Finish: Unlike many traditional pieces that feature oxidized patinas, Mary Ellen often favors a high-polish finish. This approach elevates classic Navajo forms into a more modern, versatile aesthetic. Read more https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/artist-spotlight-the-timeless-artistry-of-mary-ellen-navajo-silversmith
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Melvin Francis
Navajo silversmith Melvin Francis is an accomplished contemporary silversmith. His style is typically simple yet with elegant silverwork and colorful stones. He does many kinds of silver work including unique custom fabrication, overlay, and traditional stampwork. He credits his father, Ted Francis, as teacher. He is related to Fred Francis, a silversmith (uncle), Myrtle Francis (sister), Marlynn Francis (sister), weaver Melvina Francis (sister), weaver Erma Francis (mother), and weaver Anna Clyde (aunt).Melvin lives in Gallup, New Mexico.
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Michael Calladitto
Michael Calladitto is an artisan jewelry maker of Navajo (Diné) heritage, also part Apache. He was raised in the village of Pruitt, New Mexico (on the Navajo reservation) and is of the Meadow-People clan. Michael credits his wholes stamp-designing technique to making his own decorative stamps: “He makes most of the decorative stamps he uses … by hand from the tempered steel of old car engines (piston rods, valve stems).” He often works as part of a husband-and-wife team with Rosita Calladitto. His jewelry is described as “traditional Navajo style jewelry using sterling silver & turquoise with deeply stamped designs.” ​
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Monica Smith
Monica Smith lives in Gallup, New Mexico, and is proudly Navajo. Her journey as a jewelry maker began at a remarkably young age. At just 15 years old, Monica started helping her mother, Kathleen Scott, learning the fundamentals of Navajo jewelry-making. Her mother was her teacher, mentor, and inspiration—passing down techniques, patience, and a deep respect for the craft. In 2015, Monica experienced the profound loss of both of her parents. From that moment forward, she stepped fully into the role of carrying on the family jewelry business—continuing the work her mother and father built together. Rather than letting their teachings fade, Monica chose to honor their legacy through every piece she creates. Today, Monica is not only an accomplished silversmith but also a mother of seven children. Family remains at the center of everything she does. Just as her mother taught her, Monica plans to teach her children the art of jewelry-making, ensuring that these traditions continue for generations to come. Monica’s jewelry has reached customers all over the world, connecting people across cultures through handmade Navajo art. In Monica’s own words, she is deeply thankful for every buyer and every person who chooses to wear her work. Read more: https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/artist-spotlight-monica-smith-navajo-artisan-silversmith