Artists

Leonard Platero is a fourth generation silversmith and artist. Leonard learned as a young child these older techniques from his grandfather and father. Leonard cuts his own stones and cabs them also. He creates his own beads, flowers, necklaces all by hand as well as creates beautiful sawcut designs.

Larry Moses Begay is a renowned Diné, Navajo silversmith known for his intricate jewelry creations inspired by the landscapes of the Navajo Nation. He began creating jewelry in the late 1980s and is a member of the famous Begay family, which has been silversmithing for decades. Larry's work typically features materials such as sterling silver, turquoise, onyx, malachite, lapis, and mother of pearl.

Jolene Bird is from the Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo in New Mexico. She is well known for her lapidary work which she learned from her grandfather. Ms. Bird has collections in the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of the American Indian, Heard Museum, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art to name some. We have spent time with Ms. Bird at her home picking out her best to bring to you.

Stewart Billie is an exemplary silversmith specializing in tufa casting. His creations are both unique and highly collectible. He works with his son LeStat Standing Bear. They also play in a heavy metal band Narbona...

My name is Wyatt Lee-Anderson, I am a fourth generation Navajo (Diné) Silversmith from Manuelito (On my Mother's Side) and Mexican Springs (on my Father's side), currently residing on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in the town of Nixon, Nevada. Diné Jewelry has always been more then a passion, It has been a part of my life. My early years I had a lot of exposure to the silversmith artist lifestyle. My Late father Allison "Snowhawk" Lee, was an accomplished Navajo Silversmith and has been in the trade for over 46 years. Growing up I was able to travel with my family going to many Galleries, Museums and Art shows including SWAIA's Santa Fe Indian Market and The Heard Museums Indian Market in Phoenix, Arizona. Working with silver started when i was 12 years of age. My father, would take time to teach me form And design. He taught me how to dome out sterling silver discs, which would go into creating Handmade Silver Bead Necklaces. Learning the handmade process of bead making is the way Shinálí (My Paternal Grandmother) taught my father when he was just starting out as well. Being taught how to form metal, solder and hand polish the silver beads to perfection, was a key moment in my path to becoming a Silversmith.

**Rayland Edaakie** and **Patty Edaakie** are a husband-and-wife team of **Zuni Pueblo Native American artists** known for their high-quality handmade silver jewelry—especially intricate **stone inlay work**. Here’s a clear overview of who they are and why collectors value their work: --- ## ???? Background & Identity * They are **Zuni artists** from **Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico**. * Work collaboratively as a duo (often signed **“RP Edaakie”**). ([N8tiveArts- Erick Begay][1]) * Active participants in major Native art shows like the **Santa Fe Indian Market** and Heard Museum events. ([Native Silver & Stone LLC][2]) * Recognized as **award-winning artists** in the Native jewelry world. ([Alltribes][3]) --- ## ???? What They’re Known For ### 1. Zuni Inlay Jewelry (their specialty) * They create **mosaic inlay** pieces using hand-cut stones like: * Turquoise * Coral * Jet * Mother of pearl * Spiny oyster shell ([Plata de Santa Fe Jewelry][4]) * Each tiny stone is individually shaped and fitted—this is a hallmark of **Zuni lapidary precision**. ([N8tiveArts- Erick Begay][1]) ### 2. Signature Designs * **Sunface (Sun God)** motifs — symbolizing life, balance, and energy * **Kachina-inspired imagery** * Traditional Zuni symbols like rain clouds and arrows --- ## ???? Style & Quality * Known for: * Extremely **tight, clean stonework** * Symmetrical, highly polished designs * Strong balance of **traditional and contemporary aesthetics** ([Plata de Santa Fe Jewelry][4]) * Their pieces range from wearable earrings to **high-end collector jewelry** like bolo ties and necklaces. --- ## ???? Cultural Significance * Their work reflects **Zuni cultural traditions and symbolism**, not just decoration. * Zuni inlay is one of the most respected forms of Native American jewelry, and artists like the Edaakies help preserve and evolve that tradition. ([Musnaz][5]) --- ## ???? Collectibility * Highly collectible because: * Handmade and limited production * Recognized artist signatures * Award history and show participation * Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on complexity. ([N8tiveArts- Erick Begay][1]) --- ## ???? In simple terms They’re **top-tier Zuni inlay artists** known for: * precision stonework * traditional symbolism * consistent quality * and strong collector demand --- [1]: https://www.n8tivearts.com/products/silver-multistone-zuni-inlay-sunface-bolo-tie-by-rayland-patty-edaakie-4e28e?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Silver Multistone Zuni Inlay Sunface Bolo Tie by Rayland & Patty Edaak – N8tiveArts- Erick Begay" [2]: https://nativesilverandstone.com/products/native-american-indian-zuni-earrings-rp-edaakie-multi-inlay?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Z Rayland & Patty Edaakie (Zuni)(RP Edaakie)Earrings - French Wire | Native Silver & Stone LLC" [3]: https://alltribes.com/sterling-zuni-inlaid-sunface-spiny-oyster-post-dangle-earrings-by-rayland-and-patty-edaakie-0213/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Inlaid Zuni Sunface Spiny Oyster Post Dangle Earrings by Rayland and Patty Edaakie 46545" [4]: https://www.platadesantafejewelry.com/earrings-5/award-winning-zuni-puebloan-artist-raylan-patty-edaakie-impeccable-mosaic-inlaid-contemporary-zuni-sunface-925-earrings-very-wearable?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Plata de Santa Fe Jewelry" [5]: https://musnaz.org/journey-to-the-center-place/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "JOURNEY TO THE CENTER PLACE • Museum of Northern Arizona"

**Quintin Quam** is a Native American artisan known for his **intricate inlay jewelry work**, especially detailed bird designs made with turquoise and other stones. Here’s a quick overview: * **Born:** August 11, 1962, in Gallup, New Mexico * **Background:** Comes from a large family (one of nine children) and is the only one continuing his family’s jewelry tradition * **Style & Craft:** * Specializes in **stone inlay techniques** [1]: https://garlands.com/collections/quintin-quam?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Quintin * Creates highly detailed, hand-crafted pieces (often birds and traditional designs) * Known for precision—he reportedly spends long hours cutting, shaping, and setting stones by hand * **Influences:** Learned and was inspired by other well-known Native artists, including members of the Edaakie and Haloo families * **Approach:** Deeply dedicated to his craft and takes pride in creating meaningful, artistic jewelry ([Garland's][1]) If you saw his name on jewelry (like kachina pendants or turquoise pieces), that’s exactly the same person—he’s part of the Southwestern Native American jewelry tradition.

Richard Singer is a prominent third-generation Navajo (Diné) jeweler from Standing Horse Mesa on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. He is widely recognized for continuing the artistic legacy of his father, the legendary master silversmith **Thomas (Tommy) Singer**. ### Artistic Legacy and Training Richard began his apprenticeship in 1989 at the age of 20. While he spent his childhood watching his father and relatives create intricate silver and stone pieces, he initially pursued work in construction before committing to the family trade. He remains the only one of Tommy Singer's sons to carry on the family’s silversmithing tradition. ### Style and Techniques Richard's work is characterized by a blend of traditional Navajo themes and the innovative techniques popularized by his father. Key features of his work include: * **Overlay and Chip Inlay:** He utilizes the "chip inlay" technique—using small pieces of turquoise and coral set in silver—which his father pioneered in the 1960s. He also specializes in **silver overlay**, often featuring oxidized backgrounds to make the silver designs pop. * **Storyteller Designs:** His jewelry frequently incorporates "storyteller" motifs, which use human figures, animals, and landscapes to depict everyday Navajo life, spiritual symbols, and traditional rugs. * **Materials:** He primarily works with Sterling Silver, often accented with high-quality stones like Kingman Turquoise, coral, and occasionally gold. * **Hallmarks:** His authentic pieces are typically stamped with his hallmark, which often includes a **feather with "R Singer"** or "Richard Singer." ### Themes and Philosophy Richard’s designs are deeply rooted in Navajo culture, expressing a reverence for the land, water, sky, and spiritual ancestors. He has noted that prayer is an essential part of his creative process, as the materials he uses are sourced from "Mother Earth." His repertoire includes a wide range of jewelry, from large statement pendants and "War Cry" warrior designs to bolo ties, belt buckles, bracelets, and rings. His work is frequently featured in galleries specializing in high-end Native American art, such as Alltribes, Ortega's on the Plaza, and Pueblo Direct. Richard Singer is considered a third-generation Navajo artist. His grandfather, Tsinnigine Hathali, was both a Navajo medicine man and silversmith, and the family tradition strongly shaped his work. Richard learned by watching family members create intricate silver and stone jewelry from a young age before formally apprenticing under his father around 1989. ([Howling Moon Traders][1]) His jewelry is especially recognized for: * Heavy sterling silver work * Overlay and chip inlay techniques * Use of turquoise, coral, lapis, and other stones * Traditional Navajo symbolism mixed with contemporary Southwestern styling Because of his father’s influence, many of Richard’s pieces feature the bold geometric overlay and fine stone inlay associated with the Singer family style. Tommy Singer became famous for elevating chip inlay and incorporating gold accents into silver jewelry, and Richard continued many of those artistic traditions while developing his own style. ([Howling Moon Traders][1]) Collectors often seek out Richard Singer bracelets, concho belts, pendants, bolo ties, and buckles because they combine traditional Navajo craftsmanship with highly wearable modern designs. His hallmark is typically “R. Singer” or variations of his signature stamp, though hallmarks can vary depending on the period and piece. The Singer family name is highly respected in Native American jewelry collecting circles, especially among collectors of high-end Navajo silverwork from the late 20th century onward. Pieces connected to the Singer lineage are often valued for both artistry and collectibility. If you want, I can also help with: * identifying a Richard Singer hallmark, * estimating age/value of a piece, * explaining the difference between Richard Singer and Tommy Singer jewelry, * or showing examples of his work.

General Benjamin Grant, born September 5, 1945, in White County, TN, to the late Rebecca Catolster Grant (Cherokee) and Ernest “Lone Wolf” Grant (Lakota Sioux), passed away on December 2, 2025. He was a good friend of ours and always made everyone feel welcomed. He is a master silversmith and specializes in wampum jewelry

Tommy Jackson was a highly respected Navajo (Diné) jewelry artist and master silversmith, known for his precision, high-quality materials, and award-winning designs. Born 1958, Deceased 2025. Tommy Jackson is especially known for: Gold and sterling silver work Channel inlay and mosaic inlay techniques Use of high-grade stones like: Bisbee turquoise Coral, shell, and opal Clean, geometric and contemporary designs blended with traditional Navajo aesthetics He was very selective about materials, often choosing only the finest stones for his pieces