Diane Wylie is a celebrated Navajo artist and jeweler whose work conveys meaning through sterling silver, natural stones like turquoise and lapis lazuli, and a mastery of technique honed over many years. Each piece of jewelry she handmakes carries the weight of a living tradition and the mark of a truly dedicated artist.
Meet the Artist
Born and raised in Crownpoint, New Mexico, Diane Wylie came from a family of widely known silversmiths. She began making silver jewelry in her teens, and with her parents as her first teachers, she spent years learning and perfecting her skills alongside them. Growing up in that environment provided exposure to many different styles and approaches, as well as hands-on experience, leading her to become one of the most well-rounded and highly skilled Native American artists working today. She is regarded as one of the few remaining “super silversmiths,” a recognition that implies a master-level of artistry and skill. Diane Wylie believes that patience and attention to detail make the biggest difference in producing jewelry that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Discover Diane Wylie’s Work
Sterling silver jewelry is at the heart of Wylie’s practice, shaped by a deep command of traditional Navajo techniques. An appreciation and keen eye for selecting natural stone is also showcased in these collections. Take a closer look to fully appreciate everything her work has to offer.
Matching Sets (Necklaces and Earrings)
Wylie designs her matching sets so that each piece appears as a natural extension of the previous one, creating a sense of wholeness when worn together. A rich variety of natural stones runs through this category, with Turquoise in several distinct varieties and spiny oyster in red, orange, and purple.
Diane Wylie combines techniques such as stamp work, saw work, appliqué, repoussé, and twist wire to give the sterling silver a layered texture and add visual depth. Satin-finished silver set against oxidized backgrounds creates a stunning contrast that highlights the character of both the metalwork and the stones. From graduated bead necklaces with multi-stone tabs to link chain styles with clustered centerpieces, her sets are made in a variety of formats while maintaining a consistent level of quality.
Pendants
Pendants in Diane Wylie’s work tend to favor clean, well-considered structures, with natural turquoise placed into precise sterling silver bezels that keep the stone as the clear focal point. Techniques such as saw work, stamp work, and twist wire detailing build surface dimension and texture across the silver, while satin finishes against oxidized backgrounds give each piece a polished, intentional quality. Diane Wylie approaches each of these pieces with a design sensibility in which every element of the silverwork frames and supports the stone rather than competes with it. The overall result is a body of work that feels grounded, refined, and technically accomplished.
Bracelets
Built on solid sterling silver foundations, Diane Wylie’s bracelets feature stone settings in both cluster and row styles, with several turquoise varieties worked into each design through saw work, appliqué, and twist wire detailing. Stamp work, satin finishes, and oxidized backgrounds layer together across the surface to create visual interest. She constructs each bracelet to last, balancing the weight of the silverwork with the stones' quality and color.
Shop Diane Wylie’s Jewelry at SilverTQ
Diane Wylie has put decades of dedication and artistic skill into every piece she makes, from stamp work bracelets to natural turquoise pendants. SilverTQ handpicks every item in her collection to ensure authenticity and the highest level of quality. Browse her full collection today and find a piece by this talented artist that you’ll keep forever.
FAQs
Does each piece include Diane Wylie’s hallmark or signature?
Yes, each piece is personally hand-stamped with “D. Wylie” and the artist’s own eagle insignia, giving every item a genuine mark of authenticity.
Can the jewelry be worn daily?
The jewelry holds up well with everyday wear, though removing it before swimming, bathing, or using any products goes a long way towards keeping it in good condition. A quick wipe down and the occasional polish are really all the upkeep they need.
How should I care for the jewelry?
A soft cloth and silver polish work best for the sterling silver, while the stones simply wipe clean with a dry cloth, keeping harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners well away from both. Store them in a lined box or soft pouch when not in use to keep scratches and general wear at bay.
