The Opal

Edison Sandy Smith

Edison's silverwork is crafted entirely by hand in his studio/home, adhering to traditional techniques. He fondly recalls how a nun at the Santa Fe Indian School first taught him the art of jewelry making. Although his eyesight has declined over the years, affecting his productivity, his silverwork remains highly sought after by collectors due to its limited availability. Edison has undoubtedly carved out a significant place in the history of Navajo silverwork, emphasizing, “I never made jewelry for money; it was always about the art.”

In a recent interview, Edison shared his journey: “I attended the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) for a year and a half, where I honed my jewelry-making skills. The program allowed me to use as much silver as I wanted without any cost, which was incredible. If I wanted to create pieces for sale, I could buy my own silver and utilize the shop's tools. I produced a lot of work during that time, which is when I started bringing my pieces to shops and began purchasing turquoise.

“I always aimed to create the authentic Navajo jewelry I admired as a child, focusing on traditional silverwork, repoussé, and embossing. After IAIA, I returned to Flagstaff and dedicated myself to jewelry full-time, earning a living from my craft. A couple of years later, I moved back to the Steamboat area in 1974 and have primarily stayed there, occasionally returning to Flagstaff.

“In 1977, I began using the ESS mark, without sterling or star. By 1981, I incorporated the ESS mark with a sterling stamp, and in 1990, I adopted the hallmark I still use today: ESS with a sterling stamp and a star.”