Paul Jameson: Master of Navajo Pearls

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.

Learning from Family

Paul and his siblings learned the craft by watching their Grandmother create Navajo Pearls, while he also observed his Mother as she made squash blossom pieces — necklaces, rings, and pendants. From the age of 11, Paul began helping his Grandmother and Mother, gaining the skills and patience that would eventually shape his own career. Over the years, silversmithing transitioned from a part-time activity into his full-time profession, carrying forward the family’s artistry into the modern era.

A Craft of Patience and Precision

Paul’s favorite creations are his Navajo Pearls, which range from delicate half-inch beads to large, bold pieces he affectionately calls his “Fred Flintstone pearls”, some reaching up to 2 inches in size. Each strand is a labor of love: he says it takes two or more days to craft just a 20-inch necklace. Beyond shaping and polishing the silver, Paul employs a secret family technique for oxidizing the pearls, giving them their signature depth, warmth, and character.

Why His Pearls Should Be Treasured

Paul Jameson’s Navajo Pearls are more than jewelry — they are heirlooms in the making. Each bead reflects generations of family knowledge, meticulous handcrafting, and a deep respect for tradition, making every strand one-of-a-kind. Their rich luster, subtle variations, and the signature oxidization technique give them a character that cannot be replicated. Owning a Paul Jameson piece is not just owning beautiful silver beads — it is carrying a piece of Navajo heritage and the artistry of a family devoted to preserving this timeless craft.

Paul Jameson

Sterling Silver 60" Handmade 16mm Navajo Pearl Statement Necklace

$2,985.00$2,686.50

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Why Collectors Seek Out His Work

Every piece by Paul Jameson is handmade, hallmarked, and uniquely individual. These pearls are not just jewelry — they are wearable art, carrying the traditions of Navajo silversmithing, family heritage, and the care of an artisan who has devoted his life to the craft. Whether worn as a statement piece or a subtle complement, his necklaces bring the legacy of the Jameson family into the modern world, bead by painstaking bead.