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Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Calvin Martinez has been a jeweler since ca. 1980s to present. He is known for his traditional, heavy-gauge silver, set stone jewelry. Calvin Martinez creates classic revival jewelry in the tradition of Navajo silversmiths a century ago.

Calvin Martinez (1960s- ) commented, "I look to the old silversmiths and to my culture...I am grateful that people still like the old silver pieces. I thank God for awarding me with these gifted hands."

Calvin Martinez is the brother of Terry Martinez, Reada Martinez Begay, and Karen Martinez Charley.

Reference: American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.

Realtive Links: Diné - Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry

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Calvin Martinez

Award winning Navajo silversmith Calvin Martinez, born 1960, has been an active silversmith for over 30 years. Calvin, a self-taught silversmith, says "I look to the old silversmiths and to my culture. There would not be a Calvin Martinez silversmith without the Navajo tradition to guide me. I am grateful that people still like the old silver pieces. I thank God for awarding me with these gifted hands." 

Everything is made by hand, including hand cutting his bezels. He is known for using only the highest quality natural stones and heavy gauge silver in his work. The style of work that Calvin does is commonly referred to as Traditional Revival. 

Calvin’s jewelry is made with traditional old techniques, he makes everything by hand, including hand cutting his bezels. He only uses high quality natural stones in his work. 

Calvin Martinez crates his jewelry in the pure style of the first Navajo silversmiths. His clear, substantial pieces, featuring the best gem grade turquoise, speak eloquently of the very nature of the

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