Bryan Joe pours life into every piece of handmade sterling silver jewelry he creates, ranging from sterling silver Navajo pearl necklaces and bracelets to beautiful designs filled with the richness of natural gemstones.
A notable Navajo artist from Keams Canyon, Arizona, his work tells a story through symbols and imagery drawn from animals, celestial forms, and traditional Navajo art, all of which have influenced his artistic persona. Bold, modern, and sophisticated, Bryan’s work is a true representation of contemporary Navajo culture.
Meet Bryan Joe
Bryan Joe is a second-generation Navajo silversmith and beader who grew up on the Navajo Nation and apprenticed under his father, award-winning artist Al Joe. The elder Joe built his silversmithing business from the ground up at just 23 years old, drawing on skills passed down from his own uncle, Colbert Joe.
From a young age, Bryan spent much time in his father’s workshop and, by age 13, had begun making his own beads and developing his own artistic style. After years of apprenticeship, Byran Joe now works under his own hallmark, the initials BJ, in a design that closely mirrors his father’s mark, AJ, reflecting both his roots and his independence. He is widely admired for his Navajo pearl and pillow beads, and the delicate surface texturing he applies to many of his pieces. He also works exclusively with natural turquoise.
His artistic philosophy is rooted in the preservation of Navajo cultural tradition, something he treats with great intentionality and thoughtfulness. That belief has also led him to teach the practive to his own son, Ethan, continuing a family legacy of three generations and over fifty years. His work has earned him recognition in respected galleries across the region, standing comfortably alongside the reputation his father built.
Discover Bryan Joe’s Work
Bryan Joe has a distinctive style and flair. He works with sterling silver and often incorporates natural gemstones such as turquoise, coral, and spiny oyster shell in ways that feel both true to Navajo tradition and entirely his own. His pillow-shaped bead forms, layered surface texturing, and high-polish finish set his work apart from his contemporaries. See for yourself by browsing the collections below.
Necklaces
When it comes to Bryan Joe’s jewelry, his necklaces are usually the first thing people recognize. His sterling silver beads come in various forms, such as smooth rounds, textured saucers, and fluted styles, often arranged in graduating sizes that give each piece a naturally satisfying flow. He is also known to incorporate high-grade natural turquoise or coral as a pendant centerpiece, sourcing the stones from mines renowned for producing exceptional color depth.
All of Bryan Joe’s necklaces feature a combination of layered polished and oxidized finishes, adding contrast and dimension that shifts depending on which angle you’re looking from. Each necklace is typically finished with a traditional handmade hook-and-eye closure, a small but meaningful detail that reflects the standard of care inherent in all of his work.
Bracelets
There is a certain confidence in Bryan’s work, and nowhere is that more evident than in his bracelets and cuffs. He tends to favor heavy-gauge sterling silver, and his use of corrugated texture with hand-polished edges strikes a fine balance between raw surface detail and clean finishing.
High-grade natural turquoise is featured in many of his bracelet designs, often set within silver frames that have been stamped or layered to complement rather than overshadow the stone. His range covers everything from understated single-band styles to more involved multi-stone pieces, all built with the durability needed for everyday wear.
Rings
Bryan Joe’s rings have a way of drawing attention to the stones at their center, with turquoise, fossilized walrus ivory, and spiny oyster shell among the materials he returns to most often. Each stone is bezel-set and cleanly framed within the silver, and many of his rings feature hand-stamped detail or cuttlebone-cast finish, giving each ring its own distinct character. Pulled together with a high-polish finish, his ring work strikes a balance between the natural and the refined.
Shop Bryan Joe’s Jewelry at SilverTQ
Bryan Joe brings something rare to his jewelry: a Navajo artistic tradition shaped by three generations of jewelry makers and silversmiths, passing their skills down through their sons and nephews. His collection of beaded necklaces, bracelets, and rings at SilverTQ features natural turquoise stones and a lifetime of devotion to this art form. Browse the work of such a talented Native American artist at SilverTQ and take home a piece that is as valuable as it is eye-catching.
FAQs
Does each piece include Bryan Joe’s hallmark or signature?
Bryan Joe marks all his jewelry to confirm its authenticity and purity of metal. A simple initial logo with the letters BJ references the stamp used by his father, Al Joe, who uses a similar design with the initials AJ. On more detailed or elaborate pieces, he may instead use a full-name stamp with Bryan or Bryan Joe, occasionally paired with a personal symbol or design.
Can the jewelry be worn daily?
Feel free to wear your pieces as often as you like, though removing them before any potentially damaging activity, such as swimming or contact sports, is a good way to keep them safe. Keeping up with regular cleaning and polishing will ensure it stays in perfect condition.
How should I care for the jewelry?
A cool, dry place away from light is the best spot to store your pieces when they are not being worn, and this helps prevent tarnishing. After each wear, a soft cloth can be used to gently remove any oil or residue that has built up on the surface. A silver polish handles minor tarnishing nicely, but for scratches or any visible damage, taking your piece to a professional jeweler is the right move.
