Ruth Ann Begay was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she grew up speaking only Navajo. Her father brought the family to Albuquerque and raise his children modernly instead of traditionally.
She learned how to silversmith by watching her mother and her sister. Ruth Ann began silver-smithing professionally after high school and started with simple bezels, and soldering then moving on to decorative work such as leaves. She is now married and has one daughter, Desbah (pictured above). When asked why she didn’t raise her daughter traditionally, she says, “Why send them back when they can go forward.” She has taught her daughter how to do silverwork but understands that Desbah’s interest lies in electric work.
Ruth Ann and her husband live in Prewitt, New Mexico. She says that New Mexico is her favorite place to be.
Ruth Ann has worked with a respected shop for over 30 years, driving 70 miles one way to work until the price of gas went up.
Ruth Ann uses modern tools to make her jewelry. She taught herself how to finish silver jewelry. Ruth Ann says that when she signs her name to a piece, it is important that the quality of her work be something that she can be proud of. Ruth Ann thinks that teaching silver smithing sounds interesting. She says that the value of being an artist is that she can find jobs that allow her to be creative.
$175.00
Artist: Desbah Begay - Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA Desbah is Ruth Ann Begay's daughter Weight: .2oz/6gr/.011lb Signed: Desbah Hallmarked: Sterling
$46.00
Ruth Ann Begay - Navajo Jewelry New Mexico, USA This is a really pretty design. I have earrings in Denim Lapis in the same style. Although listed as one-of-a-kind, they...
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Ruth Ann Begay, Navajo - Native American Jewelry Rich, dark high quality lapis lazuli set in handmade filagree perimeter. *One of a Kind!* Total Drop: 1-1/2"H - Overall (not including bale attachment): 7/8"H x...
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Ruth Ann Begay, Navajo - Native American Jewelry Rich, dark, high quality lapis lazuli set in silver bead perimeter. I have a spectacular size 6 teardrop lapis ring (different artist) that would...
$85.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo, New Mexico - Native American Jewelry : Very attractive heart on heart design. Enhanced Sleeping Beauty turquoise mounted on a sterling silver heart. Total Earring...
$79.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo, New Mexico - Native American Jewelry : Very attractive heart on heart design. White mother of pearl heart mounted on a sterling silver heart. Total Earring...
$180.00
Ruth Ann Begay, Navajo Native American Indian Jewelry Lovely rich deep carnelian set in handmade silver filagree that looks almost Victorian. High quality silver and stone work. Ruth Ann works...
$44.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay, Navajo Jewelry, New Mexico, USA - Native American Indian Jewelry : High quality silver and stone work. Ruth Ann works for the a trader shop in New...
$72.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay - Navajo Jewelry New Mexico, USA I love this design. Ruth makes it in pendants and earrings AND a variety of stones. The sterling silver chain...
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Ruth Ann Begay, Navajo This adorable pair of dark denim lapis hearts will be perfect with a pair of jeans. The silver rosettes above the hearts provide an additional feminine touch. High...
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Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA : A very dainty ring style with nice deep amethyst. Size: Various - See drop down list below for available sizes Ring...
$85.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA : A very feminine ringstyle. I have this is a variety of stones and sizes Size: Various - See drop down list...
$56.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA : A small more traditional style. I have this is a variety of stones and sizes Size: Various - See drop down...
$85.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA : A very feminine ringstyle. I have this is a variety of stones and sizes Size: Various - See drop down list...
$69.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA : A small more traditional style. I have this is a variety of stones and sizes Size: Various - See drop down...
$85.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA : A very feminine ringstyle. I have this is a variety of stones and sizes Size: Various - See drop down list...
$85.00
Artist: Ruth Ann Begay Navajo Jewelry - New Mexico, USA : A very feminine ringstyle. I have this is a variety of stones and sizes Size: Various - See drop down list...
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Desbah Begay Navajo Jewelry, New Mexico, USA Each of these post-style earrings have been fashioned into clusters of silver flowers, presenting both a stark simplicity and an ornate brilliance. Desbah is...
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Ruth Ann Begay Navajo, New Mexico, USA - Native American Indian Jewelry This extremely attractive design is a signature of Ruth. Each time she makes it, the stones are...
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Ruth Ann Begay - Navajo Jewelry New Mexico, USA I love this design. Ruth makes it in pendants and earrings AND a variety of stones. The sterling silver chain is...