Among today’s younger generation of Navajo silversmiths, Dakota Willie has developed a style that feels both deeply traditional and unmistakably modern. Born and raised in To’hajiilee, New Mexico, on the Navajo reservation, Dakota comes from a family long connected to Native American jewelry making. Multiple sources note that Dakota learned the craft directly from his father, renowned Navajo silversmith Ronnie Willie, continuing a family tradition of handmade sterling silver

Preston Haley is a Navajo (Diné) silversmith whose work is widely appreciated for its strength, balance, and respect for traditional craftsmanship. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Haley comes from a family of silversmiths, where jewelry-making knowledge is passed down through close observation, shared experience, and years of hands-on practice. This family foundation continues to shape both his technique and his approach to design.

In the world of Native American jewelry, certain artists leave behind more than objects—they leave a voice. Navajo artist Bob Becenti, also known as Robert Becenti (1949–2001), was one of those rare creators whose work bridged fine art and traditional silversmithing, carrying the spirit of the Southwest into every piece he made.

Robert Johnson is an accomplished Navajo silversmith whose work reflects both deep-rooted tradition and refined technical skill. Born in Gallup, New Mexico, and raised in Pinedale, he graduated from Gallup High School in 1986—the same year that would mark a turning point in his artistic journey. Early Life and Introduction to Silversmithing Johnson began his career in jewelry at just 14 years old, working as a buffer for his parents, who created handmade sterling silver beads

Award-winning Navajo silversmith Calvin Martinez has spent decades honoring the roots of his craft while creating jewelry that resonates with both beauty and meaning. Born in 1960 and active as a silversmith for over 30 years, Martinez represents a powerful link between the earliest Navajo metalsmiths and today’s collectors who value authenticity and tradition.

In the world of contemporary Navajo jewelry, few artists embody enduring elegance quite like Mary Ellen Pease. A respected matriarch within the celebrated Willie family of artists—and mother to renowned silversmith Ronnie Willie—she has spent decades refining a style that seamlessly blends traditional Navajo craftsmanship with a polished, fashion-forward sensibility.

A Life Shaped by Tradition Robert Chee is a highly skilled Navajo (Diné) silversmith from New Mexico, raised near the historic Manuelito Trading Post , an area once known for producing some of the finest Navajo rug weaving. While weaving traditions in the region have declined over time, Chee’s work represents the continuation of another important Navajo art form—silversmithing. Early Life and Family Robert Chee was born in 1952 at home and grew up in a large family of ten ch

Tonya June Rafael is a celebrated Navajo (Diné) silversmith whose bold, intricate jewelry reflects both deep cultural roots and a striking contemporary voice. She is originally from the Blackwater/Prewitt area near Gallup, New Mexico, where she continues to live and work, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and traditions of the Southwest.

Paul Jameson is a Navajo silversmith whose work captures the heart and soul of a family tradition that has been passed down for generations. Born into the Jameson family, known throughout New Mexico for their exceptional silversmithing, Paul’s artistry is deeply rooted in both heritage and hands-on experience.

Ella Linkin is a Navajo artist whose jewelry reflects both deep cultural roots and a highly recognizable personal style. Born in 1954 in Gallup, she is a member of the Salt People Clan and born for the Water Edge Clan—an important aspect of identity within Navajo culture.

Among the many respected names in Native American jewelry, Vernon and Clarissa Hale stand out for their commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity. As Navajo silversmiths, their work reflects generations of skill passed down through family and community, rooted deeply in the artistic heritage of the Navajo Nation.

Lily Yazzie is a Diné (Navajo) silversmith known for her beautifully handcrafted Navajo pearl jewelry. Her work reflects the long tradition of Navajo silverwork while continuing the artistic legacy of the well-known Yazzie family of jewelers.

Native American jewelry from the Pueblo communities of the Southwest reflects centuries of artistic tradition, cultural identity, and skilled craftsmanship. Among the artists contributing to this legacy is Cliffton Aguilar, a silversmith from Santo Domingo Pueblo (also known today as Kewa Pueblo) in New Mexico.

Among the many respected artists working in Native American jewelry today, Leander Tahe stands out for his powerful sterling-silver designs and dedication to traditional Navajo silversmithing techniques. Known for bold stampwork, repoussé designs, and heavy-gauge silver, Tahe has built a reputation for creating pieces that are both deeply rooted in tradition and strikingly contemporary.

Gilbert Tom was a highly regarded Navajo silversmith celebrated for his masterful revival of old pawn–style jewelry. His work is instantly recognizable for its intricate stamp work, substantial heavy-gauge sterling silver, and the use of high-quality natural turquoise. Each piece reflects a deep respect for traditional Navajo silversmithing while showcasing Tom’s own disciplined, unmistakable hand.

Gregory Segura is an award-winning precious metals artist and a lifelong resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico. His work is widely recognized for its technical excellence, material integrity, and cultural depth, reflecting both his Spanish and Native American heritage as well as the long tradition of silversmithing in the Southwest.

Every piece of jewelry has a story, and few stories are as rich and inspiring as that of Don Lucas, one of the most respected names in Southwestern sterling silver jewelry.

Behind every piece of authentic Native American jewelry is a story—of family, tradition, and hands that have learned their craft over generations. One of the artists we are honored to feature is Monica Smith, a Navajo silversmith whose work reflects both heritage and heart. Monica Smith lives in Gallup, New Mexico, and is proudly Navajo. Her journey as a jewelry maker began at a remarkably young age.

Eddie Secatero Jr. is a Diné silversmith whose work reflects both family tradition and personal dedication to craft. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eddie was introduced to silversmithing at a young age by his parents, Agnes and Eddie Secatero. Learning directly from family instilled not only technical skills, but also an understanding of jewelry as a meaningful cultural practice rather than a purely decorative art. While attending To’hajiilee Community School, Eddie continu

Vincent Joe Platero, Sr. is a highly respected Navajo silversmith whose work is immediately recognizable for its precision, depth, and unmistakable personal style. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1957, Vincent grew up on the Navajo reservation of To’hajiilee, where silversmithing was not simply a craft, but a family legacy passed from one generation to the next.