The Bladen - Belt Buckle

Arnold Blackgoat

Arnold Blackgoat is proud to carry on a family legacy in silversmithing that traces back to his great-grandfather, Moses Blackgoat, the first silversmith in the Blackgoat family. Moses, who hailed from the Lupton area, began crafting jewelry in the early 1900s, and the art has been passed down through generations. Moses taught his trade to his grandchildren, Ben and Helen Blackgoat, who in turn passed their skills to Arnold's father, Harrison, and his mother, Jennie, who also embraced the craft. As the fourth generation of silversmiths in his family, Arnold began his journey at just eight years old, learning from his grandmother, Helen Blackgoat, his mother, Jennie, and his renowned uncle, Carson Blackgoat.

Arnold is known for his precise freehand stamping and his commitment to using only the highest quality stones and heavy-gauge silver. He fondly recalls how his journey into jewelry-making began: “I was with my grandma at the Shiprock Fair and wanted some money for something there. She handed me a piece of nickel and told me to make something to earn it. I created a stamped buckle and bolo, which I sold at the fair. My grandma taught me the value of making my own money, and that’s exactly what I did.”

Arnold draws inspiration from his mother’s work, which is characterized by intricate stamping and unique designs. “Her pieces were always slightly different, and that was my foundation. I made small changes, adding extra beads, wire work, homemade bezels, and using better turquoise, focusing on creating one-of-a-kind pieces.”