Dan Jackson

Dan Jackson is an award winning Navajo silversmith who is best known for his meticulous “rug pattern” etchings in silver and gold. 

Dan learned silversmithing from his father, John Nez Begay who made jewelry for over 80 years, and lived to be 106 years old.  His mother, Bernice Charlie, was a weaver and is the source of Dan’s inspirations.   Visiting him in a dream, she stirred him to create his famous triple overlay rug design jewelry.

Dan’s formal education is in engineering.  He worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 20 years.  After being injured in 1985, Dan needed another way to support his family, including 4 daughters.  Being an accomplished silversmith, it only made sense to him to devote his time to making jewelry. 

Dan consistently collects awards and accolades at juried art shows.  He has won numerous awards and ribbons at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, the Window Rock Arizona Tribal Fair, the New Mexico and Arizona State Fairs and the Shiprock New Mexico Fair.