Paul Livingston
For more than four decades, Navajo silversmith Paul Livingston has been creating jewelry that reflects both tradition and a continual drive to refine his craft. His work is instantly recognizable to collectors who appreciate detailed silverwork, carefully selected natural stones, and the exceptional precision that has become a signature of his jewelry.
Raised on the Church Rock Reservation in New Mexico, Paul discovered silversmithing at an early age. As a young boy, he spent countless hours observing a family member at the workbench, fascinated by the process of turning sterling silver and raw stones into finished pieces of wearable art. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong interest that would eventually become his profession. Read More: https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/from-church-rock-to-collectors-worldwide-the-art-of-paul-livingston
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Preston Haley
Preston was born in October of 1996 near Gallup, New Mexico. He’s a fifth generation silversmith. He’s the nephew of Ruby Haley, who is a famous artist for making Navajo Pearl necklaces. Ruby’s grandmother, Annie Bahe Begay, taught Ruby the art of bead making when she was only six years old. Preston’s cousins, Victoria, Veltenia, and Ben, are also very accomplished bead makers.Preston learned the art of bead-making from his aunt Ruby. Ruby first started buying silver for Preston when his father was laid off at the coal mine so he could start making a living for himself. He finds his artistic inspiration from his Aunt, and he likes to use a stamp on his beads that was passed down from his great-grandmother Annie. Read more https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/artist-highlight-preston-haley
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Randall Enditto
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Richard Singer
Richard is a third-generation Navajo silversmith from Standing Horse Mesa on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. He belongs to the Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle Clan) and was born for the Kinyaa'áanii (Tower House Clan), reflecting the importance of clan identity within Diné culture. His artistic roots run deep. Read more about Richard: ​ https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/richard-singer-carrying-the-navajo-legacy-forward-in-sterling-and-stones
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Robert Chee
Robert specializes in traditional jewelry, and he excels in silver casting and stamp work. Robert was born in 1952 at home. There were 10 children in the family, and Robert was number nine! Robert’s father worked as a silversmith for the old Mike Kirk Trading Post. He is related to famous Navajo jeweler Harry Morgan, his first cousin, with whom he apprenticed under. They grew up together living under the same roof, and in the early days they lived in a hogan (traditional Navajo 8-sided home).
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Richard Singer
Richard is a third-generation Navajo silversmith from Standing Horse Mesa on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. He belongs to the Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle Clan) and was born for the Kinyaa'áanii (Tower House Clan), reflecting the importance of clan identity within Diné culture. Richard's grandfather, Tsinnigine Hathali, was both a respected Navajo medicine man and a silversmith. He introduced his son, the legendary Tommy Singer, to silversmithing at an early age, laying the foundation for one of the most recognizable names in contemporary Navajo jewelry. Tommy Singer became internationally known for his distinctive sterling silver overlay work, his innovative use of colorful turquoise and coral chip inlay, and his incorporation of gold into traditional Navajo jewelry. His bold style helped influence generations of Native artists and collectors alike.
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Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson was born in Gallup, New Mexico, and raised in Pinedale (also spelled “Pindale”), New Mexico. His career in silversmithing started when he was about 14 or 15 years old, working as a buffer for his parents’ handmade sterling silver beads. In the summer of 1986, Johnson met the late silversmith Kirk Smith, who became his mentor. Smith taught him traditional Navajo stamping and antique-finish silver techniques. Rather than follow his original plan (he had hoped to attend vocational school in Phoenix), he turned to full-time silversmithing because his jewelry business took off. Read more https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/artist-spotlight-robert-johnson-a-life-in-silver-tradition-mentorship-and-mastery
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Ronald Tom
Among today's respected Navajo silversmiths, Ronald Tom has earned recognition for creating striking sterling silver jewelry that celebrates the beauty of natural turquoise and the enduring traditions of Native American craftsmanship. His work is admired by collectors for its bold presence, quality construction, and timeless Southwestern character.
Based in New Mexico, Ronald Tom creates handcrafted jewelry that reflects both his Navajo heritage and his own artistic vision. Whether crafting an impressive squash blossom necklace, a statement pendant, or a beautifully balanced turquoise ring, his work showcases the harmony between sterling silver and natural stone that has made Navajo jewelry beloved around the world. Read More: https://www.santafesunhandmade.com/post/five-generations-in-silver-ronald-tom-navajo-silversmith
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Ronnie Willie
Ronnie Willie learned silversmithing from his oldest brother, Lonnie, who is also a silversmith. In addition to jewelry, Ronnie makes Kachinas and does sandpainting, rock sculpture and wood carving. Ronnie often makes his own tools and enjoys working on antique bracelets and concho belts.The willie name is known worldwide in the jewelry industry for their contemporary and edgy designs.
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Rosella Paxton-
Rosella Paxtonis a contemporary Diné (Navajo) silversmith known for creating handcrafted Native American jewelry, particularly pieces that feature turquoise stones. Paxton's work is characterized by classic, high-quality designs that showcase natural stones, Paxton's jewelry frequently highlights large, prominent turquoise stones, especially from the Royston and Pilot Mountain mines. Other stones, such as spiny oyster shell, are also incorporated into her designs.Her sterling silver work, including fabrication, is described as high-quality and intricate. Examples include detailed settings, hand-carved bands, silver beads, and other custom metalwork.