Al Nez is an award-winning jeweler who draws inspiration from the rich heritage of his Navajo tradition. Born in 1959, Al is a member of the Many Goats Clan, whose father was of the Bitterwater Clan. Al was inspired at a young age by his talented grandfather and began to learn the craft of silversmithing. Over the years he has developed a contemporary style drawing from traditional Navajo symbols and now works primarily in 14K gold combined with sterling sliver. And set with a variety of gemstones, including natural turquoise, coral, lapis, and sugitlite. Al has garnered numerous awards at the Annual Intertribal Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico including “Best of Tufa Casting” as well as “Best of Miniatures” at the Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His work is also part of the permanent collection of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, which is part of the U.S Department of Interior. Al has been featured in Arizona Highways and his work appears in several authoritative books on Native American jewelry including Beyond Traditions, Enduring Traditions, Navajo Jewelry and Southwest Indian Art.
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