Orville Tsinnie

Orville Tsinnie (1943–2017) was one of the great Navajo silversmiths of the 20th century. Born in Tuba City, Arizona, and later based in Shiprock, New Mexico, Tsinnie created powerful, highly refined jewelry known for its weight, precision, and timeless beauty. His work reflects both Navajo tradition and a deeply personal artistic vision.

Tsinnie didn’t start making jewelry until he was 27, when a visit to his sister’s home introduced him to silversmithing. He quickly found a natural talent for the medium, applying the skill and discipline he had developed working as a welder and public servant. What followed was a decades-long career devoted to crafting pieces by hand, using heavy-gauge silver, crisp stamping, and carefully selected natural stones.

Orville's jewelry often featured rich turquoise, lapis, sugilite, coral, and fossilized stones, all set in clean, architectural forms. Each piece was stamped with his hallmark—frequently alongside a rendering of the Shiprock formation, a nod to his home and heritage. He worked closely with his wife, Darlene Tsinnie, and together they operated a gallery in Shiprock that became a hub for collectors and fellow artists.

Over the years, Orville received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Arts and Crafts Association in 1999. His jewelry has been exhibited at the Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum, and other prestigious institutions, and is included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Orville Tsinnie passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on through the strength of his work. His pieces continue to be cherished by collectors around the world for their craftsmanship and beauty.