Mike Bird-Romero, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Silversmith

Born in 1946, self-taught artist Mike Bird-Romero (Ohkay Owingeh/San Juan Pueblo) has spent decades mastering the fluid silversmith harmony of silver, gold, and fine gemstones. Revered for his strict adherence to traditional, time-honored techniques, every piece of jewelry he creates is entirely handcrafted from start to finish. Bird-Romero's rigorous process begins at the very foundation of the craft: he pours his own ingot silver, hand-carves intricate designs into tufa stone molds, and creates custom stamps to textures his metals. Complementing this metalwork is his precision lapidary skill, as he expertly cuts and polishes each gemstone to perfection. His work stands as a testament to uncompromising quality and a deep respect for Pueblo jewelry traditions.

TAGS: Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (San Juan), Southwest Indian Jewelry