Al Joe is one of the most esteemed Navajo artists working today, with a reputation built on handmade jewelry that showcases a thorough knowledge of traditional techniques, including precise silverwork and hand-cut lapidary. His approach stays true to the classic aesthetic sensibilities of the Southwest while imbuing a refined, contemporary quality that makes his work instantly recognizable. The pieces he produces are detailed, distinctive, and built to last, both in quality and through the changing of trends.
Meet AI Joe
Alfred Joe, better known as Al Joe, is a Navajo artist born and raised in Winslow, Arizona, where his uncle, Colbert Joe, first taught him how to work with silver. Al Joe attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff before returning home to Winslow, where he continues to make jewelry to this day. Growing up, he also worked in his family’s silver shop, which the Joe family called “Little Squash,” a nickname the family has long used for the eldest son. He has spent his entire career in Winslow and shows no signs of slowing down.
Al makes jewelry in sterling silver and 14K gold, using methods such as stamping, shadowbox, silver cut-out overlay, and even silver dust overlay to create raised texture and visual interest. He sources his stones directly from well-known mines, including Carico Lake, Bisbee, and Morenci turquoise mines, and also uses Mediterranean coral and lapis lazuli in his work. The level of care evident in his process has earned him multiple Best in Show awards at major shows, including the Eight Northern Indian Arts & Crafts Show and the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, and won him the prestigious IACA Artist of the Year title in 2001 and 2009. He has taught silversmithing to his son Bryan, his grandson Derrick, and his younger brother Larry, continuing to pass the skill down through the family the same way it was passed down to him.
Discover AI Joe’s Work
Al Joe’s jewelry features premium natural turquoise and heavy-gauge sterling silver, worked through traditional metalworking techniques and featuring signature Navajo embellishments like shadowbox construction, hand-stamping, and silver dust overlay. Read on to see how a lifetime of award-winning practice shows up across Al Joe’s jewelry collection.
Necklaces
Widely recognized within the Navajo jewelry scene, Al Joe’s sterling silver bead necklaces reflect both a rich cultural heritage and the tradition he has spent a lifetime perfecting. Also known as Navajo Pearls, these sterling silver beads are handmade in round and fluted shapes, and strands are generally composed of graduated beads with the sizing carefully sequenced to give each piece a natural flow. A custom-made hook-and-eye connector stamped with his personal hallmark finishes each necklace, a small detail that speaks volumes about the standard he holds himself to.
Bracelets
Heavy-gauge sterling silver is the backbone of most of Joe’s bracelet work, and the weight and solidity of each piece are immediately evident from the moment you pick it up. Techniques like tufa casting, sand casting, and appliqué often come into play, producing surfaces with a layered, organic texture that is hard to achieve with other methods. Natural stones are typically set as clear focal points, with saw work, twist wire, and selective oxidation working around them to give the piece added depth and contrast. His bracelets strike a balance between traditional Navajo influence and a clean, contemporary aesthetic that never feels overdone.
Pendants
There is a lot to take in with Al Joe’s pendants, starting with the stones. High-grade natural turquoise varieties are typically set using his signature shadowbox technique, in which layered silver frames and hand-sawed bezels create dimension around the gem. Etching and stamp work often fill the surrounding silverwork with fine detail, adding richness to the design while keeping the focus on the center stone. The clasp on each pendant is just as considered as the setting itself, with the piece designed to be worn comfortably on everything from a simple leather cord to a signature silver bead necklace. Throughout this collection, you get a clear sense of how confidently he works in both stone and silver.
Rings
Rare American natural turquoise varieties such as Lone Mountain, Royston, and Cripple Creek tend to take the spotlight in Al Joe’s ring work, with each stone chosen for its unique hue and natural patterning. Saw work, stamp work, and appliqué bring texture and character to the band, while partial oxidation adds tonal contrast, allowing the engraved and shaped details to stand out. Twist wire borders may also appear as a recurring decorative element, connecting each piece back to the broader tradition of Navajo silversmithing. His rings show careful attention to proportion and finish, giving the sense that band and stone were always meant to go together.
Shop Al Joe’s Jewelry at SilverTQ
Al Joe’s work featured at SilverTQ will make you stop and look twice. With Navajo Pearls, detailed pendants, richly textured bracelets, and rings, this collection is rooted in Navajo tradition and shaped by an artist who has spent a lifetime mastering silversmithing and lapidary work. Explore what Al Joe has to offer at SilverTQ and claim a piece you’ll be glad you didn’t pass up on.
FAQs
Does each piece include Al Joe’s hallmark or signature?
Al Joe personally hand stamps his name or initials in sterling silver on every piece, confirming authenticity. It is his way of standing behind the work and honoring traditional Navajo jewelry-making methods.
Can this jewelry be worn daily?
Yes, heavy-gauge sterling silver and well-secured stone settings make Al Joe’s pieces reliable for daily wear.
How should I care for the jewelry?
Try using a soft cloth with silver polish for hardware, and a separate dry cloth for turquoise and other stones. Sunlight, soap, water, chemicals, and perfumes are all things to avoid to keep your pieces looking their best.
