Navajo silversmith Albert Jake recently talked with us at Bonecutters and we are excited to share with you!

Bonecutters: When and where were you born?

Albert: I was born in 1959 in Ramah, New Mexico at home.

Bonecutters: Did you grow up there?

Albert: I graduated from Tohatchi High School, after that I enrolled at Navajo Architectural in Fort Defiance, Arizona. I dropped out after a year, I didn’t like drafting.

Bonecutters: Well, for all the fans of your work, we are happy you didn’t pursue a career in architecture! After leaving architecture school what did you do?

Albert: I attended school in Ramah through the 6th grade. After 6th grade we moved to Springerville, Arizona where I went to school until 8th grade. Finally we moved to Pine Hill, New Mexico and I finished high school in 1978.

Bonecutters: Please tell us about your family.

Albert: I have one older brother, three older sisters, and three younger sisters.

Bonecutters: Does anyone else in your family silversmith?

Albert: Only one, my brother, who is silversmithing in Phoenix.

Bonecutters: Who taught you to silversmith?

Albert: Leaving high school I learned to sandpaint, and was also blessed to be able to draw, which gave me income for the next few years. I first started to learn about silversmithing by watching my sister Louise work.

Bonecutters: Rumor has it that there is a funny story behind about your start in the business…

Albert: I remember driving through Gallup and seeing a “Help Wanted” sign in Ortega’s. I stopped in and was interviewed. They asked me if I knew how to make jewelry and I told them yes, although I really didn’t know much at all…The guy said to be there Monday morning to work. I was excited to have a job and remember going to my sister’s house and borrowing (though she didn’t know) three of her tools. I borrowed a hammer, a pair of pliers, and an insulated tweezer. I showed up for work Monday making sure that I was the first one there. The guy looked at me and said,”Where are your tools?!?” I said,”Right here in my pocket!” and showed him what I had. He couldn’t stop laughing but I said, “Give me some work and I’ll show you what I can do!’” After making friends with a few of of the workers there I was on my way. The owner was very pleased with what I had done and even asked me who who had done the work for me! I remained there for about three years, and yes, I did take those tools back to my sister that I had borrowed.

Bonecutters: That’s a good one- you don’t have to stretch the truth about your skills now! Do you have any other hobbies or passions?

Albert: I love anything outdoors.

Bonecutters: What is your favorite type of jewelry to make?

Albert: I have always enjoyed the challenge of making something turn out nice. I can do contemporary and old style, I love all the work I do.

Bonecutters: Have you won any awards for your work?

Albert: It has never been about the competition to me, I respect everyone’s work.

Bonecutters: How long have you been working with Eric?

Albert: I have been working with Eric at Bonecutters since November of 1989, and I hope to continue for many years to come.

Bonecutters: We definitely love your work and hope you keep working with us also!