(Navajo, born 1946) The brother of Raymond and Mary Marie Yazzie. Lee started as a shop smith for Joe Tanner in Gallup, where he worked on many of Preston Monongye’s pieces. Since going out on his own, he has gained renown as probably the finest Navajo jeweler of his time, known for using the best turquoise available.
(Navajo, born 1946) The brother of Raymond and Mary Marie Yazzie. Lee started as a shop smith for Joe Tanner in Gallup, where he worked on many of Preston Monongye’s pieces. Since going out on his own, he has gained renown as probably the finest Navajo jeweler of his time, known for using the best turquoise available.
Available works:
BO 1099
Great silverwork, great coral, and great tips, all by a great master of the art—a great and easily wearable bolo. Hallmarked. 2 3/8” x 1 3/4”, weight 66 grams.
GH/183
We love the higher dome turquoise on this Lee Yazzie hallmarked ring, and his typical elaborate silverwork. Size 7 (can be sized), face measures 11/16” high, weight 12 grams. Ex-Geraldine Howard Collection.
GH/187
One of the best Lee Yazzie rings we have seen, 14k gold with an absolutely top-grade Lone Mountain turquoise. Turquoise like this is completely unavailable today at almost any price. Size 7 ½ (can be sized), face measures 11/16” high, weight 15 grams.
BO 1097
There is no greater contemporary Navajo silversmith than Yazzie, and this is a wonderful early piece by him with a lovely stone. Hallmarked. 2 3/8” x 2 3/8”, total weight 74 grams. Lee Yazzie (Navajo, born 1946) is the brother of Raymond and Mary Marie Yazzie. Lee started as a shop smith for Joe Tanner in Gallup, where he worked on many of Preston Monongye’s pieces. Since going out on his own, he has gained renown as probably the finest Navajo jeweler of his time, known for using the best turquoise available.