Lee Charley
Artist partner
LEE CHARLEY
Precision in silver and stone — each piece a testament to four generations of Navajo craftsmanship carried from the Four Corners to collectors worldwide.
- NAVAJO (DINÉ) — VANDERWAGEN, NEW MEXICO
- FOURTH-GENERATION GOLDSMITH
- ULTRACLEAN STAMPWORK
- MIRROR POLISH FINISHES
01 — Meet the Artist
A LEGACY FORGED IN SILVER AND STONE
Lee Charley carries the weight of four generations: the ancestral knowledge of the Navajo (Diné) people and the refined precision of a master silversmith.
Lee Charley is a prominent fourth-generation Navajo (Diné) silversmith who brings over 40 years of experience in the field of fine jewelry. He began making jewelry in the early 1980s under the tutelage of his mother, Nellie Charley, and has since passed on his invaluable knowledge to his daughters, Mykaiah and Dallas Charley, as well as son, Matthew Charley.
Lee is widely recognized for his expertise in ultraclean stampwork and exceptional mirror polish finishes, which play a vital role in ensuring the authenticity and quality of each piece we offer. His collaborations with prestigious brands such as Ralph Lauren, Montecristi Hats, and Malouf On The Plaza speak volumes about his artistry and reputation.
Beyond his studio practice, Lee serves as a guardian of traditional Navajo silversmithing techniques — a role that places him at the center of a vital cultural movement to preserve, protect, and champion Indigenous craftsmanship on the world stage.
02 — CRAFTSMANSHIP
THE ART OF SLOW MAKING
I TRADITIONAL METHODS
GOLD AND STERLING SILVER SHAPED ENTIRELY BY HAND. NO SHORTCUTS. THE TECHNIQUES REMAIN UNCHANGED ACROSS FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE CHARLEY FAMILY.
II ULTRACLEAN STAMPWORK
EACH STAMP PRESSED WITH PRECISION. THE PATTERNS CRISP AND TRUE. THIS SIGNATURE TECHNIQUE SETS LEE'S WORK APART AND DEFINES HIS LEGACY IN NAVAJO SILVERSMITHING.
III MIRROR POLISH FINISH
HOURS OF HAND-POLISHING BRING EACH PIECE TO A FLAWLESS, REFLECTIVE FINISH. THE SILVER BECOMES A MIRROR — A TESTAMENT TO PATIENCE AND MASTERY WITH ZERO DRAG LINES.
"Each Lee Charley piece is inspired by the timeless landscapes of the Four Corners and is crafted with deep respect for the natural world — so that both our inspiration and creation processes honor the earth and the ancestral traditions it sustains."
Each piece arrives bearing the precision of Lee Charley's hand — executed slowly, singularly, by hand. Available in limited quantities. Ships from the Four Corners region to collectors worldwide.
At the heart of our work is our close partnership with the esteemed silversmith Mr. Lee Charley. His collaborations with prestigious brands such as Ralph Lauren, Montecristi Hats, and Malouf On The Plaza speak volumes about his artistry and reputation.
SILVER & GOLD
Finest grade, mirror-polished by hand
STAMPWORK
Traditional techniques and stamps passed through generations
TURQUOISE & CORAL
Carefully selected, ethically sourced stones
HAND-FINISHED
Every detail refined with intention
03 — RECOGNITION
As Seen In
04 — The Collection
Shop Lee Charley Navajo Jewelry
EACH PIECE ARRIVES AS LEE CRAFTED IT — SLOWLY, SINGULARLY, BY HAND. AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITIES. SHIPS FROM THE FOUR CORNERS REGION TO COLLECTORS WORLDWIDE.
Every piece of Lee Charley silver carries the mark of four generations — techniques refined over decades, passed from mother to son, now shared with daughter and son. This is living tradition: not preserved in a museum, but alive in the hands of a master silversmith who learned by watching, listening, and doing. His work anchors our finest offerings.
Seen here in Cowgirls & Indians x Lee Charley hat bands featured in the 2026 Lainey Wilson x Wrangler Campaign.
Lee Charley
INQUIRE ABOUT CUSTOM WORK
Ready to create something exceptional? Connect with Cowgirls & Indians today to start designing your custom creation. Email giddyup@cowgirlsindians.com or call +1 (512) 626-0498