J1798 Jason Begaye
Tufa cast sterling silver earrings by Navajo silversmith Jason Begaye. The 3/4” x 2” two part dangle earrings each have a coral or turquoise stone. Jason was resident silversmith for Bischoff’s Shades of the West in the 1980’s, so these vintage earrings are an exclusive piece of jewelry.
About the artist
Jason Begaye
JASON BEGAYE
(Navajo b. 1950’s – present)
Jason Begaye (born in 1950’s at Fort Defiance, Arizona) is the son of Jimmy Begaye and brother of noted silversmiths Marco Begaye and Vernon Begaye. As with many silversmiths, he learned the basics of jewelry making from his father and brothers. His first silversmith instructors were Al Nez and Ric Charlie where he learned the skills of tufa casting and cuttle bone casting.
He has actively been making and selling his work slice the 1970’s.
Unlike his father and brothers Jason’s tufa casted pieces are strikingly architectural and modern in character. When using turquoise or other stones, they are secure in their crenelated mounting.
Jason was also one of a long line of esteemed and talented silversmiths who were employed as “bench silversmiths” at Shades of the West in Old Town Scottsdale. The pieces in our current inventory were created specifically for Shades of the West, Inc.
Jason’s contemporary style of jewelry has won first place at the 1995 and 1996 Arizona State Fairs. He is currently residing in Phoenix and still enjoys Pow-Wows and Blessings.
Jason Begaye's "JOB" mark is hand-scratched into the back of his pieces.
