Landon & Wylie Secatero: Carrying a Family Legacy into the Next Generation
- Santa Fe Sun Handmade
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Every great artistic tradition depends on a new generation willing to carry it forward. For Navajo (Diné) silversmithing, that future is already taking shape through brothers Landon and Wylie Secatero—two talented emerging artists whose handcrafted sterling silver jewelry is already earning the admiration of collectors throughout the Southwest.
Raised in a family where jewelry making was more than a profession, the brothers grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jeweler's bench. Sterling silver, natural turquoise, hand tools, and traditional stamps were simply part of everyday life. Today, they are building on that foundation with distinctive artistic voices of their own while honoring the generations of artists who came before them.
A Family Tradition of Craftsmanship
The Secatero family's jewelry tradition spans multiple generations.
Landon and Wylie are the sons of accomplished Native artists Randy Secatero and Sarah (Sylvana) Apache Secatero. Randy is a respected Navajo silversmith, while Sylvana is known for her beautifully executed stone inlay jewelry. Together, they introduced their children to the patience, precision, and dedication required to create authentic handmade Native jewelry.
Randy himself learned the art of silversmithing from his mother, Dorothy Secatero. Today, that tradition continues through Landon and Wylie, reflecting a family legacy built on craftsmanship, creativity, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Learning at the Bench
For Landon, silversmithing began remarkably early. He started making jewelry independently at just eight years old while learning in his parents' workshop. His natural talent quickly became evident, earning him a Youth Award at the prestigious Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial while he was still a young artist.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Landon made the decision to pursue silversmithing full time, dedicating himself to advancing the family tradition rather than following a more conventional college path.
Wylie also began learning the craft as a child, starting at the age of ten under the guidance of his father. Like many Native artists, both brothers developed their skills through years of observation, practice, and hands-on experience at the workbench.
Growing up in their parents' workshop meant the brothers weren't simply learning techniques—they were immersed in the rhythm of a working Native jewelry studio, watching pieces evolve from raw sterling silver into finished wearable art. That daily exposure helped shape the craftsmanship collectors appreciate in their work today.
Distinctive Styles Rooted in Tradition
Although they share the same artistic foundation, Landon and Wylie have each developed their own creative voice.
One of Wylie's most recognizable artistic signatures is his crisp hand stamping inspired by traditional Navajo weaving and basket designs. Rather than reproducing those patterns directly, he interprets their bold geometric forms in sterling silver, creating richly textured bracelets, cuffs, rings, and pendants that honor Diné artistic traditions while expressing his own style.
Landon's jewelry reflects clean stamp work, carefully crafted sterling silver, and a respect for classic Navajo design. His work demonstrates the confidence and precision of an artist who has spent much of his life mastering traditional techniques while continuing to refine his own creative vision.
Together, the brothers' jewelry reflects a deep respect for tradition while embracing the energy and creativity of a new generation of Navajo silversmiths.
Why Emerging Artists Matter
Many collectors naturally seek the work of celebrated master silversmiths whose careers span decades. Those artists have earned their reputations through extraordinary dedication and craftsmanship.
But every master was once an emerging artist.
Supporting younger Native silversmiths like Landon and Wylie helps ensure that the traditions of Navajo jewelry making continue to thrive. Each purchase directly supports artists who are preserving techniques handed down through generations while adding their own ideas, perspectives, and creativity.
There is something especially meaningful about collecting the work of artists whose careers are still unfolding. Watching their artistic journey develop over time—and owning one of their early creations—creates a connection that goes beyond simply acquiring jewelry. It is an opportunity to become part of an artist's story from the beginning.
Why We Love Their Work
At Santa Fe Sun Handmade, we are always excited to discover artists whose jewelry reflects both exceptional craftsmanship and genuine authenticity.
Landon and Wylie Secatero embody that combination beautifully.
Their sterling silver work feels substantial in the hand, their finishing is meticulous, and every piece carries the subtle character that only comes from being handcrafted one at a time. Whether drawing inspiration from traditional Navajo design or interpreting historic weaving and basket motifs through hand-stamped silver, their jewelry reflects both respect for their heritage and confidence in their own artistic direction.
As collectors ourselves, we believe Landon and Wylie are among the exciting new generation of Navajo silversmiths whose names will become increasingly familiar in the years ahead. We are proud to share their work and look forward to watching their artistic legacy continue to grow—one handcrafted piece at a time.
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