The Margo

Bruce Morgan

Bruce Morgan (b. 1957) is an award-winning Navajo silversmith renowned for his innovative use of both silver and gold in his jewelry, particularly his signature gold overlay. Born in Rehoboth, New Mexico, and raised in Brimhall, Bruce crafted his first piece of jewelry while in high school. Following the tragic death of his aunt, a jeweler, his grandmother passed down her tools to him, encouraging him to pursue the craft.

After graduating in 1976, Bruce moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and began making jewelry for others in 1978. However, the early days were challenging, leading him to take a job as a miner in a uranium mine while training to become an electrician. After a year, he was laid off and continued his education in commercial electrical work, aiming to become an electrical engineer. Realizing the physical demands of the trade were not for him, Bruce returned to jewelry making, where he sought to distinguish himself in the field.

Initially focused on traditional jewelry styles featuring conchas and turquoise, he became one of the first artists to utilize the two-tone method of combining silver and gold in 1983. Notably, in 1982, he created a silver cane for the Prime Minister of Egypt. By 1983, he incorporated “traditional and simple” stampwork into his pieces, solidifying his signature gold overlay style.

While he admires traditional jewelry, Bruce has committed to producing gold overlay pieces, as they are quicker to make and provide unique options for everyday wear or special occasions. His rings, often chosen as wedding bands, exemplify this versatility. With exceptionally clean lines and his renowned gold overlay, Bruce’s work has garnered international attention, earning features in "Arizona Highways" and "Southwest Art" magazines. He continues to create beautiful jewelry to this day.