For 53 years, Karl Nataani has dedicated his life to the art of silversmithing, creating handcrafted Native-inspired jewelry that reflects both history and personal creativity. Married to his wife for just as long as he has been making jewelry, Karl’s journey began in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When Karl first worked in a jewelry shop, he knew very little about silversmithing. He began learning how to create traditional Navajo squash blossom necklaces, mastering the skills of stone setting, soldering, bead making, and assembling each piece by hand. What started as learning a trade quickly became a lifelong passion. Through the art of the squash blossom necklace, Karl realized he could transform silver into virtually anything he imagined.

As his skills grew, so did his creativity. He expanded beyond necklaces to create baby bracelets, hair barrettes, concho belts, and other one-of-a-kind pieces, each handcrafted with exceptional attention to detail. His work blends traditional techniques with his own artistic vision, making every design uniquely his.

Karl’s fascination with concho belts began after seeing historic examples in Shiprock, New Mexico. Inspired by their beauty and rich history, he studied the traditional forms that became popular in the mid-1800s among Pueblo and Zuni artisans. He spent years perfecting his own designs, honoring the tradition while developing a style that reflects his craftsmanship and creativity.

For Karl, jewelry is more than metal and stone—it is a way to celebrate the history, artistry, and enduring beauty of Native craftsmanship. He finds joy in bringing these traditions to life and knowing that each piece will carry that story wherever it goes.

We first met Karl at Twin Arrows Casino near Flagstaff, Arizona, where he was selling handcrafted copper cuffs. Rising silver prices had made it difficult for him to continue creating silver jewelry for wholesale, leading him to focus on copper. Even then, the quality of his craftsmanship immediately stood out. We were inspired by his talent and knew more people deserved to see his work.

Today, we are honored to share Karl Nataani’s handcrafted jewelry through our website, helping preserve and showcase the artistry of a silversmith whose passion has remained strong for more than five decades.