Vincent Platero: Navajo Silversmith with a Singular Voice
- Santa Fe Sun Handmade
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
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.
Vincent is a member of the Navajo Edgewater and Black Streak Clans. His introduction to silversmithing came through his family—both his parents and grandparents were silversmiths—and he learned the art directly from his mother, Helen Chavez. This heritage is deeply embedded in his work today; Vincent continues to use tools passed down to him by his ancestors, carrying generations of knowledge into every piece he creates.
A Recognizable Hand and a Personal Signature
One of the defining aspects of Vincent Platero’s work is that no two pieces are ever created exactly alike. He designs and creates a full range of jewelry, approaching each piece as an individual work rather than a repeated pattern. Vincent is known for making his own stamps, a demanding process that requires precision, control, and an exceptional eye. These handmade tools allow him to imprint his identity directly into silver.
His jewelry is signed with the stamp “VJP”, the hallmark you will find on the handmade jewelry of Vincent Joe Platero, Sr. This signature is trusted by collectors and confirms the authenticity of his work.
Stamp work is common in Navajo silversmithing, but Vincent’s execution stands apart. His stamping is deep, clean, and deliberate—requiring exact placement and consistency. The result is a visual rhythm and strength that has become unmistakably his own. Even among accomplished stamp artists, Vincent “owns” his style; his work can often be identified at a glance.
Signature Motifs and Iconic Works
Vincent Platero is especially well known for his hand-stamped dragonfly and butterfly designs, which have become signature motifs in his jewelry. These pieces are highly sought after and reflect both technical mastery and artistic balance. The insects are brought to life through layered stamping that creates movement, depth, and character within the silver.
Collectors also strongly associate Vincent with his sampler concho belts, many of which incorporate traditional rug patterns. These belts showcase the full range of his stamp work and design vocabulary, making them standout examples of his craftsmanship. His dragonfly and butterfly pins, along with his bold, confident stamp work, are often what come to mind first when discussing Vincent’s striking and unique style.
Recognition, Awards, and Collectibility
Vincent Platero’s silverwork has been noted since the 1970s, and his career reflects decades of dedication to the craft. His work has been featured in galleries across the country and is widely recognized within collector circles for its quality and individuality.
He has received awards at both the New Mexico State Fair and the Denver Indian Market, further affirming his standing as a master silversmith. Today, Vincent has his own family and continues to create jewelry that is respected not only for its beauty, but for its integrity and authenticity.
A Living Tradition in Silver
Vincent Platero’s jewelry represents a living continuation of Navajo silversmithing traditions—rooted in family, shaped by experience, and defined by a personal artistic voice that has remained consistent over time. His work reflects patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of silver as both material and medium.
Owning a piece signed “VJP” means owning a work by an artist whose style is distinctive, respected, and truly his own—jewelry that carries history, skill, and identity, stamped permanently into silver.
Comments