Ruth Ann Begay

Navajo

Ruth Ann Begay was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she grew up speaking only Navajo. She learned how to silversmith by watching her mother and her sister. Ruth Ann began silversmithing professionally after high school and started with simple bezels and soldering then moving on to decorative work such as leaves. She is now married, lives in Prewitt, New Mexico, and has one daughter.

Ruth Ann uses modern tools to make her jewelry. She taught herself how to finish silver jewelry. Ruth Ann says that when she signs her name to a piece, it is important that the quality of her work be something that she can be proud of.