What Is Inlay Jewelry? Meet Calvin Begay & Veronica Benally
Lantern Dancer Journal | The Art of Inlay
Some Jewelry Is Pretty. Some Jewelry Tells a Thousand-Year-Old Story.
And then there's inlay jewelry. Tiny pieces of stone, cut and fitted together so precisely they become miniature works of art. Once you understand what goes into making it, you'll never look at it quite the same way.
Today, I want to introduce you to two Navajo artists who make us fall in love with this art form all over again. One is an old friend of Lantern Dancer. The other? Well, don't scroll too fast. We have some VERY exciting news.
Calvin Begay: The Artist Who Changed Contemporary Inlay
Calvin Begay is one of the great pioneers of contemporary Native American inlay jewelry. His work combines traditional craftsmanship with extraordinary modern designs, and his pieces have become instantly recognizable to collectors.
But here's what makes his story especially dear to my heart.
Long before I owned Lantern Dancer, my predecessor, philanthropist Doris Green, believed in Calvin's talent. She helped introduce his jewelry to a much wider audience, including through a feature in Cowboys & Indians magazine.
And the sweetest part? Calvin and Doris still share a close friendship today. To me, that's exactly what a relationship between an artist and a gallery should become. Not just transactions, but years of trust, encouragement, and genuine friendship.
Calvin Begay | Navajo jewelry artist | Christine Jones | Lantern Owner
A Night Sky You Can Wear
One of Calvin's most beloved designs is his Pueblo Night Sky series, inspired by the historic adobe architecture of Taos Pueblo in New Mexico. Taos Pueblo is among the oldest continuously inhabited communities in America, with buildings that have stood for centuries. Calvin brings that incredible history to life in miniature, with glowing opal moons, stars, and beautifully detailed stone inlay.
The inspiration behind Calvin Begay's Pueblo Night Sky collection. A watercolor imagining of historic Taos Pueblo, one of America's oldest continuously inhabited communities.
Wait. They Cut Every Single Stone?
Yes. And the first time I watched an artist cutting these tiny stones with a diamond blade, I genuinely thought they were going to cut their fingers off!
Here's the difference: in a traditional turquoise setting, a stone is secured in a metal bezel or another type of setting. With inlay, the artist cuts and shapes individual pieces of turquoise, opal, shell, coral, or other materials, fitting them into a design like the world's tiniest puzzle.
And unlike a puzzle, you can't just shake the box and start over. Every cut matters. A complicated design can require an astonishing amount of precision and patience.
A Little Jewelry Wisdom
Treat inlay like glass, not a diamond. Thin stone inlay can chip, and even natural turquoise is relatively soft compared with many gemstones. Keep your jewelry away from hard knocks, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Beautiful things deserve a little care.
Okay, Now for Our Very Exciting News...
Meet Veronica Benally, our newest Navajo inlay artist at Lantern Dancer Gallery!
I first discovered Veronica's jewelry while walking through Santa Fe with my daughter. We passed her booth once. Then we passed it again. And I simply couldn't stop thinking about her work.
You know that feeling when you find something so special you just have to go back? That was Veronica.
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Every tiny stone is carefully shaped and fitted. This is the kind of patience you can actually wear.
Meet Veronica Benally. You're Going to Love Her.
Veronica creates beautifully detailed Navajo inlay jewelry with the kind of color, precision, and personality that makes you stop and look twice. Her work is wonderfully intricate, yet feels completely wearable with everything from denim to your favorite dress.
And here's the part I've been waiting to share: Veronica's new collection is arriving at Lantern Dancer this week!
We're so excited to introduce her work to our customers. After all, discovering a wonderful artist is one thing. Getting to share that discovery with all of you is even better.
A first look at Veronica Benally's beautiful Navajo inlay jewelry.
Why We Love Handmade Inlay Jewelry
Because the world has plenty of things made quickly. This isn't one of them.
Whether it's Calvin's unforgettable Pueblo Night Sky or Veronica's colorful new creations, each piece carries hours of skill, an artist's imagination, and a story worth passing down.
I'd rather own one extraordinary piece of real, handmade jewelry than a drawer full of things that mean nothing to me.
And I have a feeling you might agree.
With love,
Christine
Lantern Dancer Gallery
