Ben Haley

Ben Haley is a fifth generation silversmith.  He is the only son of Ruby Haley, who is a famous artist for making Navajo Pearl necklaces.  Ruby’s grandmother, Annie Bahe Begay, taught Ruby the art of bead making when she was only six years old.   Ben’s sisters, Victoria and Veltenia, are also very accomplished bead makers.   His younger cousin, Preston, also started silversmithing a few years ago.

The Haley family use very traditional methods for crafting their silver bead necklaces. After dapping them (making them curved), they grind the silver beads on a rock and string them on a binder wire. After stringing the beads, they use Borax to clean them and then sand all the edges.  Ben then finishes his silver beads with a satin finish, and is the only one in the family that makes this beautiful style.

After making their jewelry, the Haley family burns sage and prays over each piece.  They pray that whoever wears their jewelry will be blessed, have good health, and happiness.

Ben is a soft-spoken and kind-hearted man.   Ben is married to Natasha Peshlakai, who is also an artist from a well-known family of silversmiths.  Together they have a son and live happily in New Mexico.