Matthew Charley

Native American jewelry artist, Matthew Charley was born near Gallup, New Mexico in June 1992. He learned his craft from both sides of his family.

His father, Lee Charley, is a jeweler and jewelry designer, as are his uncles from his mother’s family, the Martinez’s, who well-known jewelry-makers from Prewitt, New Mexico.

Charley loves creating new designs while improving his technique. His inspiration comes from common objects in the world around him, in which he finds art and beauty. Incorporating lines and shapes into his designs, his latest creations he calls “basket weave” and his inspirations are from the intricate weavings in baskets.

First Place winner in the Gallup Ceremonies, Charley works exclusively in silver.