Perry Shorty is a master Navajo silversmith whose work reflects a deep commitment to historic craftsmanship and the enduring elegance of early Navajo jewelry. He began making jewelry in the mid-1980s and has since become widely recognized for creating hand-forged pieces rooted in traditional techniques and a visual language reminiscent of the refined Navajo silverwork of the 1940s.

Shorty chooses to work primarily in coin silver, often melting down historic Barber silver coins dated between 1890 and 1915 and casting them into ingots. From these ingots, he fabricates every element of his pieces using time-honored and traditional methods. Much of his work incorporates intricate stamp work made with tools he crafts himself, along with twisted and drawn wire, repoussé, appliqué, and tufa casting. The result is jewelry with remarkable depth, texture, and balance—each piece entirely one of a kind.

Rather than adhering to fixed patterns, Shorty allows the materials to guide his process. Stones, silver, and form evolve together, giving each work a sense of movement and individuality while remaining firmly grounded in tradition. His inspiration comes from studying early Navajo jewelry found in museum collections and from conversations with elders who wore and preserved these historic forms.

Perry Shorty is a regular participant in the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Indian Fair, the two largest and most respected Native art markets in the Southwest. His work is represented in major museum collections, including the Heard Museum, the British Museum, and the Wheelwright Museum, affirming his standing as a highly collectible and influential artist.

Shiprock Trading Post has proudly worked with the finest Native artists of the Southwest for generations, and Perry Shorty’s jewelry exemplifies the level of authenticity, skill, and cultural continuity that defines that legacy. Each piece is not only an expression of master craftsmanship, but a lasting work of art—made with intention, history, and respect for the traditions that continue to shape Navajo jewelry today.