Debbie Silversmith

Born on the Navajo reservation in 1957, Debbie was lucky enough to spend a great deal of time with her grandfather Kenneth Begay and as Kenneth eldest grandchild she had the opportunity to get to know him well and in turn he passed on his unique jewellery-making skills. She had already learnt to make her own silver beads entirely by hand at the exceptionally young age of 12.

During the latter half of the 20^th century Debbie’s grandfather had a major hand in changing the face of Navajo jewellery adapting vintage Navajo designs for the modern world. Debbie Silversmith continues to produce sophisticated jewellery using techniques inherited from her grandfather creating her own swirl motif jewellery influenced by Kenneth Begay’s famous ‘Water and Life’ swirls.

The Silver Plume Gallery in the Double Bay of Sydney is proud to add Debbie Silversmith’s silver works and jewellery to their collection.