Alvin & Lula Begay -Jewelers

Alvin and Lula Begay were both born in Winslow, Arizona, in 1956. They both attended the Dilkon Boarding School and later, Winslow High School. While at Dilkon, Alvin met Tommie Singer, the well known Navajo silversmith. In 1973, Alvin began learning silversmithing and joined Tommie to work in his shop for 12 years.
After Alvin left Tommie Singer, he began working with the award winning Navajo artist, Abraham Begay. Alvin worked with Abraham for 2 years helping design and construct much of the Abraham’s jewelry that eventually won awards.

Alvin and Lula started working together about 1991. Alvin taught Lula the art of cutting and setting stones as well as braiding the leather used for their bolos. Alvin does the overall design and construction of their pieces where everything is handmade. Alvin incorporates double and triple overlay, shadow box, engraving and reticulation techniques, often all on one major piece. They are well know for their reversable necklaces, often permitting several looks on a single piece.

They have won prizes including a first prize with a necklace at a Dallas, Texas competition, a second prize for a coral inlay concho belt at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and a third prize at Arizona’s O’Odham Tash.

HOEL'S Indian Shop
9589 North Highway 89A
Sedona, Arizona 86336-9607

928.282.3925