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SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Erick Begay

Name
Erick Begay
Tribe
Navajo Nation
Juried Classification(s)
Jewelry

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
PLZ 68
SFIM24
PLZ 68
WIM25

2024 Best of Show Awards

First Place
N/A
Second Place
N/A
Honorable Mentions
N/A

2025 Best of Show Awards

First Place
Ia. Category 102 - Bracelets And Watch Bands in Jewelry
Second Place
N/A
Honorable Mentions
N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
Erick Begay

I specialize in handmade Native American jewelry and work full-time as an artist. My jewelry is made using high-grade natural stones set in 14k gold or Sterling silver. I pride myself in highly-crafted and unique work. With decades of experience, I have learned many techniques which include traditional Navajo stamping, chiseling, filing, tufa stone casting, bead making (metal) and stone inlaying. My stone setting is done with fully castellated bezels, which are made by sawing and filing. I incorporate non-traditional stones into my work (sugilite, lapis, opal, diamonds, etc), which often lead to modern/contemporary designs with a strong balance of traditional silversmithing.