Murphy Plateros Indianischer Schmuck

Murphy Platero is an astoundingly talented Navajo artist whose handmade silver jewelry has earned him a place in galleries across the country.

Pieces typically feature his distinctive stamp work and include high-grade natural turquoise and natural gemstones personally selected by the artist, giving each design a character entirely its own. His work reflects a deep respect for Navajo tradition while demonstrating a refined artistic sensibility that collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out. 

Meet Murphy Platero

Born in Crownpoint, New Mexico, Murphy Platero grew up learning silversmithing from his mother, Lena Platero, a well-known and self-taught Navajo artist recognized for her stamped feather jewelry.

Under her tutelage, Murphy acquired both the skills and the appreciation for Navajo culture that continue to shape his work today. He believes that the stone should always be the focus of a piece, which is why he personally selects every piece of turquoise he uses. After years of developing his style, he now lives and works in Gallup, New Mexico, where he has been creating jewelry for fifteen years. 

Murphy is known for his beaded raindrop sterling silver jewelry, as well as his detailed, handmade stamp work that draws from his Navajo background. He makes every piece individually, so no two items are ever the same, which has made his work especially appealing to collectors of Native American art. By staying true to what he learned growing up, Murphy continues to honor his family’s history while making a name for himself as a respected Navajo artist. 

Discover Murphy Platero’s Work

Murphy Platero brings a distinct eye for detail to every piece he makes, with traditional sterling silver work at the core of his practice. He often works using “old style” designs, referencing over a century of Navajo design heritage. Careful stone placement ensures the piece's focal point is always the stone’s natural beauty. Browse his collections below to see what makes his work so recognizable.

Pendants

Some of Murphy Platero’s most impressive works have to be his pendants, each featuring natural stones, including turquoise from the iconic Kingman, Royston, and Campitos Mountain mines in the Southwest, as well as the Altyn-Tyube mine in Kazakhstan. Each piece of turquoise has been hand-selected for its unique color and character, and no two look identical. 

Heavy-gauge sterling silver forms the base of most pieces, brought to life through hand-stamping, saw work, and twist wire details, giving your chosen pendant its own texture and depth. He also has a strong affinity for oxidized silver backgrounds, which create a rich contrast that allows his rainwater patterns and detailed stamp work to really stand out. The stone is always the heart of the design, with silverwork meticulously built around it.

His pendants are typically finished with a sterling silver bail, often a collaboration with fellow silversmith Elgin Tom. These pendants are versatile enough that you can wear them on everything from simple chains to ornately decorated Navajo pearls. 

Bracelets

Murphy Platero’s bracelet work brings together high-quality natural stones like Kingman and Sleeping Beauty turquoise with carnelian and red coral, chosen for their bold natural color and quality. Chiseled line work, twist wire accents, and sun stamping tend to run throughout his cuff designs, referencing traditional Navajo silversmithing techniques.

You may also see an oxidized finish across many of his pieces, a detail that adds warmth and gives the silver a timeless, lived-in quality. Every bracelet carries his personal hallmark, making each one a verified, one-of-a-kind work. 

Rings

Murphy’s rings are eye-catching, with designs that feature oversized stones set into wide sterling silver bands that give the jewelry a bold, down-to-earth look. Scalloped edges, twist wire, and sterling silver appliqué often frame the center stone with traditional Navajo detail that invites the eye to linger.

An oxidized finish is frequently applied to most of his ring work, emphasizing the detailed stamp work and adding character to the silver. He also finishes his rings with a tapered shank in order to maximize comfort and wearability.

Shop Murphy Platero’s Jewelry at SilverTQ

There is something special about owning a piece made by an artist like Murphy Platero, where every detail, from the stone selection to the stamp work, has been handled with intention and skill. His pendants, bracelets, and rings are all available at SilverTQ, giving you the chance to own a unique piece rooted in generations of Navajo tradition. Take a look at the collection here, and find the piece you’ve always searched for. 

FAQs

Does each piece include Murphy Platero’s hallmark or signature?

Authentic Murphy Platero pieces are stamped with MP or his full name, along with a 925 sterling quality mark to confirm who made it and that the metal meets purity standards. 

Can the jewelry be worn daily?

Daily wear is absolutely fine, though removing your pieces before any activity that could expose them to water, chemicals, or damage will help them last longer. A quick wipe-down before storage and occasional polishing of the silver parts keep everything in good shape. 

How should I care for the jewelry?

The best way to care for your pieces is to store them in a cool, dry place and clean them regularly (not just when they start to look dull). A soft cloth and silver polish are all you need for everyday upkeep, and avoiding harsh chemicals will protect both the silver and the stone from damage.