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SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Ernest Benally

Name
Ernest Benally
Tribe
Navajo Nation
Juried Classification(s)
Jewelry
Website

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
POG 116
SFIM24
POG 116
WIM25
91

2025 Best of Show Awards

First Place
Ic. Category 301 - Necklaces in Jewelry
Second Place
Honorable Mentions
N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
Ernest Benally

I fabricate/hand make pieces in sterling silver, 14kt gold and 18kt gold. I use all natural gem stones and sea shells for my lapidary work. I do a mosaic flat inlay, for roll and cobblestone and I make my own cabochons. Within the inlay I drill using diamond drill bits and re-inlay with silver or gold tubing and round wire and other blank areas I re-inlay with stones or sea shells. I polish my stones with a white diamond rouge and sapphire powder. All pieces have my name stamp. I use super glue and epoxy to hold my inlay with the bezels. And a high polish in metal.