Collection: Perry Shorty

Perry Shorty is an artist who makes Navajo jewelry in the classic styles of the 1920s and 1930s, and has been creating for over 30 years. Like the silversmiths of the past, he makes his own tools and faithfully recreates the techniques of that era.

As his material he uses only silver coins known as “Barber coins” (minted 1892–1915), designed by Charles Barber. He starts by melting the coins into ingots, then hammering them into shape. For designs, he draws on past references and books, and incorporates old Spanish motifs that played a large part in the history of Navajo jewelry.

This commitment to jewelry making is highly regarded, and he is now a top Navajo jeweler with numerous awards from competitions at Indian art and craft shows famous across the U.S. He has collectors of his work all over the world.