Artist Highlight: Preston Haley
- Santa Fe Sun Handmade
- Jan 6
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 26
Preston Haley (Diné/Navajo)
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.
Working primarily in sterling silver, Preston Haley is known for jewelry that emphasizes material integrity and confident form. His cuffs, bracelets, rings, and necklaces often feature thick-gauge silver and hand-applied stamp work, allowing the metal itself to take center stage. Rather than relying heavily on stones or embellishment, Haley focuses on proportion, surface pattern, and the natural presence of silver.
Each piece is made entirely by hand using traditional tools and methods. The stamp work is applied one mark at a time, creating subtle variations that make every piece unique. Tool marks and texture are intentionally preserved, reflecting the honest process of handmade Navajo jewelry and distinguishing Haley’s work from machine-produced designs.
Preston Haley’s jewelry is contemporary in feel while remaining deeply rooted in Navajo silversmithing traditions. His work appeals to collectors who value authenticity, durability, and design that transcends trend. These are pieces made to be worn often, to develop character over time, and to carry forward a living tradition of Navajo craftsmanship.
To shop more Navajo and Native handmade sterling silver and turquoise jewlery visit Santa Fe Sun Handmade.
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