Collection: Vernon Begaye

Vernon Begaye is a distinguished, Navajo silversmith whose individual vision sets him apart from tradition while retaining the cultural origins that inspired his talent. Vernon has won numerous prizes for his work and has been included in several books about American Indian Art.

Born in 1965, Vernon Begaye was raised on the Navajo Reservation. His parents, Jimmy and Ella-Mae Begaye, were silversmiths and his mother was a traditional Navajo rug weaver. Vernon and his brothers, Marco and Jason, learned the art of jewelry-making when they were children.

In 1993 at the age of 28, Vernon was awarded a coveted and highly competitive SWAIA Fellowship Award. He then continued his education in jewelry making, by taking courses with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, CA. In addition, through the years, he has studied with other accomplished jewelers.

Vernon experimented merging Navajo tradition with contemporary design, continually evolving as the years passed. He is now making exceptional jewelry in an abstract style all his own, that is instantly recognizable and highly prized. He specializes in hand-fabricated pieces and tufa-cast work that merges traditional and contemporary designs. He is especially known for his sculptural silver work and inlaid designs, winning awards at Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum show.