About Leo Lando Yazzie

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Leo Landro Yazzie, a Navajo master goldsmith, built a career of more than forty years shaping metal and stone into work that carried both beauty and meaning. Born and raised in Black Mesa, Arizona, where the land and traditions of the Navajo Nation surrounded him. From his earliest years he was introduced to the craft of jewelry making, learning from relatives who passed down techniques that had moved quietly through generations.<br><br> Working first in silver and later in gold, Yazzie began to develop a style rooted in his heritage yet open to new ideas. He blended traditional motifs with a contemporary approach, combining 14K gold and sterling silver with stones of the highest quality. Among the materials he favored were Mediterranean oxblood coral, Australian opal, and turquoise from American mines. Every stone was chosen with care, not only for its beauty but for its ability to carry a story.<br><br> As his skills deepened, so did his reputation. Collectors and galleries sought out his work for its precision and for the way it fused Navajo culture with modern design. One of his most recognized pieces, a 14K gold bracelet set with Red Mountain spiderweb turquoise and Mediterranean coral, stood as a clear example of his ability to balance tradition with artistry. Each link of the bracelet reflected his sense of continuity between past and present.<br><br> Over time, his designs grew more complex. A celebrated neckpiece, built around high-grade Australian opal framed with turquoise, evoked the vast skies of his childhood landscapes. Pieces like these were shown in major exhibitions and became part of collections across the world. For many, his work was not only jewelry but a narrative of Navajo identity expressed in precious materials.<br><br> Though retired, Yazzie’s legacy endures. His creations are regarded as timeless, both for their craftsmanship and for the cultural voice they carry. He often spoke of his hope that each piece would serve as a bridge between generations, carrying with it a whisper of the past into the future. Today, his story remains embedded in every work he left behind, a reminder of a life dedicated to art, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Navajo people.