Collection: Leonard Nez

Leonard Nez, born in 1956 in Keams Canyon, Arizona, discovered silversmithing through his wife, Marian, and her family of jewelers. After crafting his first pendant, he was quickly recognized for his talent and, within a year, made it his full-time career. Mentored by renowned jeweler Gibson Nez, Leonard developed a signature style featuring heavy-gauge silver and gold, fine chisel and stamp work, and deeply grooved sterling silver overlay. His intricate scrollwork and classic feather motifs make his work instantly recognizable.

A highly awarded artist, Leonard has won multiple Best in Show honors at prestigious competitions, and his work is on permanent display at the Smithsonian. Despite losing his right thumb while rodeo roping, he continues to create masterful jewelry, guided by his deep spirituality. “I want each piece to be better than the last,” he says. “I pray to the Lord about my designs, and sometimes, sitting in church, a design will come to me, as if on a whisper.”