J1791 Jess Martinez
Handmade sterling silver & turquoise ring by Navajo silversmith Jess Martinez (son of Leon Martinez). The 1/2” x 3/4” Kingman turquoise cabochon is set in a unique sterling silver setting with careful attention to detail. The band is a three way split. Jess brings together the traditional vintage look with the refined silver work of today. Size 6
You might say that the art of making traditional Navajo jewelry is in Jess Martinez's blood. After all, when your father is the well known master Navajo artisan "Leon Martinez" & your uncles happen to be Rick,Terry & Calvin Martinez, then jewelry making was something you couldn't hide from..In a household like theirs, you lived & breathed jewelry, you talked jewelry, your life was surrounded by jewelry, day in & day out, morning, noon & night.
Fairly new to the industry, 32 year old Jess studied under Leon by watching, listening & learning. He taught him all the ropes & when the time was right, he let him get his hands wet by showing him how to solder, how to set stones, teaching him how to finish the sterling, so Jess could then branch off & start making a name for himself.
What you'll get from Jess's work is jewelry made with a traditional Navajo edge, but with a modern day look. He's an artist with great potential & definitely one that's on his way upwards in the industry!
About the artist
Leon Martinez
Navajo artist Leon Martinez says he was influenced by his parents, Leo and Edith Martinez, to become a jewelry artist as early as 1970.
In addition to his parents, Leon considers many people and artists his teachers and influences, including Calvin Martinez, Kirk Smith, Sunshine Daniel Reeves, Ernest Begay, Tommy Jackson, and Tommy Singer.
Leon’s jewelry is described as early 1900s old style mixed with contemporary style. “In making designs, even making one piece has made me to become patient, putting quality time into the smallest item. This helps me to perfect my work - soldering, setting stones by size, measurement for perfect fitting, and selection of stones for each piece of work. I try to make each piece of jewelry close to its perfection,” says Leon.
Leon has won several first place awards at the Navajo Nation Fair and Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial, known as the largest fair and annual event.
