Artist Spotlight: Sharon Cooley - Carrying the Tradition of Handmade Navajo Pearl Jewelry Into the Future
- Santa Fe Sun Handmade
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Among today's talented Navajo silversmiths, Sharon Cooley has earned recognition for creating sterling silver jewelry that honors generations of Diné craftsmanship while embracing a timeless, wearable style. Her work reflects the enduring beauty of traditional Navajo silver bead making, proving that simplicity, when executed with exceptional skill, can make a powerful statement.
A Contemporary Voice in a Historic Tradition
Sharon Cooley is a Navajo (Diné) silversmith whose work centers on one of the Southwest's most recognizable jewelry traditions: handcrafted sterling silver bead jewelry. While many artists are celebrated for elaborate stone settings or intricate overlay work, Cooley has developed a distinctive style through beautifully crafted silver beads that showcase the artistry found in every detail.
Her jewelry reflects the values long associated with Navajo silversmithing—precision, balance, durability, and respect for traditional techniques—while presenting pieces that feel effortlessly modern.
The Art Behind Every Sterling Silver Barrel and Pearl
Creating handmade sterling silver beads is far more involved than many people realize. Unlike mass-produced hollow beads stamped by machines, authentic Navajo silver beads begin as sheets of sterling silver that are carefully shaped, soldered, filed, and finished entirely by hand.
Each bead must be individually formed before decorative details are added. The process often includes:
Hand-forming hollow sterling silver beads
Precision soldering
Careful filing and polishing
Individually hand-stamped designs
Oxidizing the silver to accentuate every stamp
Final buffing and assembly
The result is jewelry that possesses depth, character, and subtle variations impossible to duplicate through factory production.
Sharon Cooley's Signature Style
Collectors often recognize Sharon Cooley's work by its confident simplicity and exceptional craftsmanship.
Her collections frequently feature:
Graduated barrel beads
Traditional Navajo pearls
Melon beads
Saucer beads
Hand-stamped hollow sterling silver pearls
Rather than overwhelming the eye with excessive ornamentation, her necklaces emphasize proportion and balance. Decorative beads are thoughtfully spaced, allowing each handcrafted element to stand on its own while creating a harmonious overall design.
Many of her necklaces and bracelets are substantial in weight, reflecting the generous use of sterling silver that collectors have come to appreciate. The crisp hand stamping, rich oxidized finish, and clean layout give each piece a sophisticated appearance that remains deeply rooted in Navajo tradition.
More Than Silver Alone
Although sterling silver beadwork defines much of Sharon Cooley's portfolio, she also incorporates natural materials that have long been treasured throughout the Southwest.
Depending on the design, collectors may find accents of:
Natural turquoise
Spiny oyster shell
Other carefully selected natural stones
These additions provide vibrant color while allowing the handcrafted silverwork to remain the focal point of the design.
Why Handmade Matters
In an era where imitation Southwestern jewelry has become increasingly common, artists like Sharon Cooley continue the tradition of making each piece by hand.
Every bead reflects hours of careful craftsmanship rather than minutes on an assembly line. Small variations from bead to bead aren't imperfections—they're evidence of genuine handmade artistry.
This dedication to traditional methods is part of what makes authentic Navajo jewelry so meaningful. Every necklace carries not only sterling silver and stone but also generations of knowledge, patience, and skill.
Collecting Sharon Cooley Jewelry
Whether you're purchasing your very first strand of Navajo pearls or adding another piece to a growing collection, Sharon Cooley's work offers a wonderful example of authentic Navajo silversmithing at its finest.
Her jewelry embodies many of the qualities collectors value most: handcrafted sterling silver, thoughtful design, exceptional workmanship, and timeless versatility. Each necklace or bracelet serves as a reminder that true craftsmanship never goes out of style.
At Santa Fe Sun Handmade, we're proud to support Native American artists whose work preserves these remarkable traditions. Sharon Cooley's sterling silver bead jewelry celebrates the enduring beauty of handcrafted Navajo artistry—pieces designed not only to be worn today but treasured for generations to come.
Comments