Carico Lake Earrings

Navajo artist, Leonard Nez was born in Keams Canyon, AZ in 1956. Leonard was a heavy equipment operator for 7 years, before he met Marian Nez, a Navajo silversmith. He was inspired by her family’s tradition of silversmithing, Marian taught Leonard how to create his first pendant then was asked to make 15 more. Within a year he was able to support himself with jewelry making. A role model and mentor of his, Gibson Nez a well known artist, took Leonard under his wing and called him brother, although they weren’t related and share the same last name. Leonard jewelry is very distinctive and recognizable. He’s known for combining traditional and contemporary elements in heavy-gauge silver and gold, detailed with scrollwork and classic feather styling. Leonard has been given many awards, his pieces are collected around the world and displayed at the Smithsonian. He says each piece he creates comes from the heart. 

Leonard resides in Canoncito, NM, has four children and many grandchildren and one of his grandchildren is showing great promise as a future jeweler. Leonard  is a skilled rodeo rider, on the weekends, he enjoys to rope in the rodeos even though he lost his thumb while roping it hasn’t affected his great craftsmanship.