WES WILLIE

About this artist

Wes Willie creates jewelry that is as bold and rare as the materials he works with. Each piece is meticulously hand-constructed, blending precision craftsmanship with an innovative design vision. Working in sterling silver, gold, and platinum, Wes pairs precious metals with exceptional stones—turquoise from legendary mines such as Lander Blue, Bisbee Blue, Carico Lake, Royston, Fox, Morenci, No. 8, Lone Mountain, and Indian Mountain; deep oxblood Mediterranean coral; fiery Australian opals; rich B.C. jade; African sugilite; mid-eastern lapis; and striking Arizona fire agate, among many others.

Raised on the Diné (Navajo) Nation in Arizona, Wes is of the Bear Clan on his mother’s side and the Deer Springs Clan on his father’s. Before becoming a jeweler, he worked for 15 years as a journeyman welder, mastering metals like stainless and carbon steel—a foundation that later shaped the precision and durability of his fine jewelry. Inspired by masters such as Charles Loloma and Jesse Monongya, Wes began making jewelry full-time in 1993, teaching himself the art of silversmithing and lapidary.

Renowned for his masterful inlay work and distinctive aesthetic, Wes has an exceptional eye for color and composition. His ability to source rare, high-grade materials and transform them into contemporary, one-of-a-kind designs has earned him awards and an international following. Today, from his lapidary shop in Farmington, New Mexico, Wes continues to create sought-after works, and he remains open to custom commissions—always staying true to the unmistakable “Wes Willie” look.