Add Class to Your Style with Kirk Smith Jewelry

Kirk Smith's beautiful jewelry pieces are investments that are coveted by collectors from the world over. He has always been a respected and renowned Native American jewelry artist, and his tragic death in 2012 brought even more attention to his work. Kirk passed away in the hands of a drunk driver at only 55 years old—in his prime as a jeweler. He is deeply missed not only by his family and friends, but also by Native American jewelry traders, fans, and collectors everywhere.

A descendant of well known silversmiths, Kirk started working with silver at a young age—in the 1960's—when he often hung out at his grandfather's workshop. Kirk dabbled in jewelry making off and on until 1980's when he decided to return to silversmithing and make it a full time career. He learned a lot from and worked with his brother-in-law Harry Morgan, also a renowned artist. Kirk eventually found his signature style and is credited with having made investment quality 'old pawn style' pieces of jewelry that were a hit in award shows as well as commercially. His pieces are characterized by heavy silver, beautiful stones, and detailed craftsmanship.

Though his style evolved over the years, his main techniques remained close to traditional heavy silver techniques used by the Navajo. Kirk Smith was often described as one of the best classic revivalist artists in Navajo jewelry making. What sets apart his jewelry from others is his use of the best quality stones in strikingly vibrant colors and natural matrix patterns that add layers of interest. He is known for his pawn finish, which makes his jewelry develop the same patina that occurs in sterling silver that has been naturally aged.

Kirk always tried giving back to his people. He taught silversmithing to several other well-known silversmiths, including some of the Martinez family, Fred Brown, Dean Brown and Anthony Skeet. He also was one to help many of his friends and neighbors whenever he could. Kirk Smith was one of the best Navajo silversmiths in recent times. His work was always top quality.

Kirk Smith jewelry pieces are becoming increasingly rare and quite difficult to find; sadly, there are even fakes out in the market. Protect yourself from fraud by buying only from reputable retailers that are well known in the Native American jewelry trading industry. Don't just buy the first Kirk Smith ring or bracelet you see. Take time to find out more about the retailer that is selling it. How many years have they been in business? Do they work directly with Native American artists and miners? What do previous customers have to say about them? Only when you are satisfied and 100% confident about the retailer should you buy Kirk Smith jewelry from it.

About the Company:

Turquoise Direct is one of the most prominent sellers of authentic handmade turquoise jewelry, designed by award winning Native American artists, including Julian Lovato, Harry H. Begay, Arland Ben, Aaron Anderson, Al Joe, Thomas Jim, Tommy Jackson, Calvin Martinez and many others who place only the finest natural American turquoise in beautiful contemporary and traditional silver and gold jewelry. With an amazing selection of collectible Native American jewelry from bracelets to earrings, necklaces and rings to buckles and bolos by some of the most collectible and highly esteemed Native American artists in the Southwest, Turquoise Direct is the place to go for the finest online experience on the web.

Turquoise Direct is one of the most prominent sellers of authentic handmade turquoise jewelry, designed by award winning Native American artists, including Julian Lovato, Harry H.