About Joe Piaso Jr.

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Joe Piaso Jr. was born in 1957 into a Navajo family with deep ties to the art of jewelry making. His early exposure to the craft came through his grandfather, whose hands shaped silver with precision and purpose. At just 13 years old, Joe began learning by watching him work, absorbing the details of the process in a way that would set the foundation for a lifetime of craftsmanship.<br><br> That foundation grew stronger during his time at Albuquerque Boarding School. It was there that a silversmith from the Santo Domingo Pueblo took him under his wing. His mentor saw potential in Joe and helped him sharpen his technique, build discipline, and grow into his own voice as a silversmith.<br><br> Over time, Joe built a reputation for working with Carico Lake turquoise, a distinctive stone known for its vibrant color and clarity. He developed a style that combined the traditional methods he inherited with a design sensibility that spoke to collectors and galleries alike. His work didn’t stray from its roots, but it also didn’t stay frozen in the past.<br><br> Pieces like his large cross pendant recognized and featured by the Waddell Gallery and Roma Arellano, demonstrate that balance. The details, materials, and structure reflect Navajo traditions, but the execution and vision show something more individual, more forward-reaching. These pieces don’t just carry beauty; they carry history.<br><br> Joe Piaso Jr. became known not only for what he made, but for how his work connected people to a larger story. Collectors, galleries, and those who wore his jewelry recognized it. His art spoke clearly grounded in heritage, shaped by skill, and respected across communities.