July2015 2019 THE INDIAN TRADER November
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Steven Tiffany
5th Generation Arizonan & Southern Paiute Descendent Lives Among the Navajos
MAKING IT MY OWN When asked what sets his creations apart from the14 rest, his immediate continued on page one-word answer is “aesthetics.” He notes, “My works look old and modern
at the same time. Old and new style in the same piece – making each a unique one-of-a-kind creation with its own style and its own beauty.” Steven readily cites three aspects that set his works apart in the market of Native American and Southwest style jewelry. He uses 18 karat gold or “coin silver”; creates unique designs that are both pleasing and comfortable to wear and; he “hand finishes” every piece. He uses only 18 karat gold and “coin silver” when creating pieces. The materials and process are both time consuming and require the skill of a master artist. He explains, “I really take my time working with gold because of the process and added attention to detail it requires, but the beauty of the finished piece is unsurpassed.” The style of jewelry Steven is best known for is inspired by the aesthetics of early Navajo, Pueblo, and Spanish Colonial metalsmiths. In their day, these smiths created jewelry using blacksmith techniques. Predating the regional availability of foundry silver, they often used money - silver coins - to make jewelry. The silversmith melted the metal, poured it into an ingot mold, and forged the ingot, with hammer andTerri anvil,Schurmeier to a usableand shape andwith size,her of sheet or wire. her son grandson, Mac, “Today, there arefuture very CEO few silversmiths who and Chairman of the Cowboys & Indians empire. still do their own foundry work. It is faster, easier, and cheaper, to utilize fabrication ready material,” he acknowledges. “I exclusively use coin silver. Quality hand craftsmanship, the way things used to be made, is what I strive to achieve with each piece I make,” he says. He adds, “Hand forged coin silver enhances the character of my jewelry and the technique is historically relevant. It is my belief that the jewelry I make, using coin ingot or gold, maintains its value.” Steven uses American coins, which are 90% silver and 10% alloy. The color and shine are nearly identical to sterling.
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collection of his body of work ever assembled for public viewing. This show continues to grow every year and is one of the top national By Tom Surfaceantique events of its kind. Due to its Southwest location, the show traditionally has a unique American flavor An heavily internationally recognized master leaning on early American artssilversmith, & crafts, goldsmith, Native and lapidaris, Steven works thatart, incorporate a natural American, westernTiffany fine artdesigns and ethnographic but with some blending of contemporary, Native American and Southwest 200 dealers in attendance, it also offered items for everyone – motifsthe in one-of-a-kind creations. from first time buyer to the veteran buyer and serious With a lineage that combines Western pioneer with collectors. Even the very famous decorators and interior Shivwits Band of Southern Paiute, Steven has focused solely designers attend the show, seeking just the right touch to create on his jewelry business while living on the Navajo Reservation the “perfect” motifand for work their in clients. for more thansouthwest 11 years. or Butnative his study jewelry startThisearlier. year, asHe in the past, the show also drew representatives ed much explains, “I started working when I lived in from many of theback major international and17domestic clothingand Prescott, Arizona, around 1991. For years, I studied and jewelryworks designers andthetheir buyers.eyes Cowboys & Indians produced under watchful of master jewelryhad makers something for everybody. from several Native American families.” Proceeds thedecision show’s general admission this Reservation He madefrom a bold in 2008, moving customers to the Navajo year supported additional beneficiaries, VSA thereafter, Arts of Newthe apprentice to focus solelythe onshow’s his jewelry business. And soon Mexico, University Newthe Mexico’s HallI SchoolTime became the master! of “Over past 11Popejoy plus years, have focused on creating my own be it silver, gold, turquoise other materials,” he says. Series andpieces, The Albuquerque Museum’s MagicorBus Program.
Original Native American Art & Jewelry Pendleton Robes and Shawls Native American Music Flutes • Pottery Rugs • Native American Church supplies Carvings • Native Bookstore Enamel and Cast Iron Ware On the corner of Nizhoni and Highway 602 in Gallup POB 636 • Gallup, NM 87305
505-863-4434 www.etanner.com Where you can always pawn for cash, and make a great deal
