Calvin Martinez

Award winning self-taught Navajo silversmith Calvin Martinez, born 1960, has been an active silversmith for over 30 years. Calvin Martinez is known for his Traditional Revival style of jewelry making, using traditional old techniques, hand cutting his bezels, and only using high quality natural stones and heavy gauge silver in his work. Each piece of his is entirely made by hand.

Calvin Martinez creates his jewelry in the pure style of the first Navajo silversmiths. His clear, substantial pieces, featuring the best gem grade turquoise, speak eloquently of the very nature of the Navajo: unassuming people with strong convictions about their place within the balance of nature. Calvin brings this attitude of quiet strength to each of his pieces.

“I look to the old silversmiths and to my culture. There would not be a Calvin Martinez silversmith without the Navajo tradition to guide me. I am grateful that people still like the old silver pieces. I thank God for awarding me with these gifted hands.”