Gilbert Begay

Gilbert Begay was born in 1958. He was sent off to boarding school in Ganado when he was five years old. He is a great storyteller, and his tales of the rough times at school keep you spellbound. He was not allowed to speak his native language and the discipline was harsh even at a young age.

Despite the difficult school situation he started dabbling in jewelry making at the young age of eight. As a young adult he was even a police officer. Since then he has been a successful jewelry artist. Gilbert creates wonderful silver overlay jewelry, including his popular design of a friendship circle.

His cousins are fellow jewelry artists Alvin Yellowhorse and Bryon Yellowhorse, and his grandfather was Hosteen Nez. Gilbert has 4 children and a growing number of grandchildren. He loves horses, all sports, hunting, reading and research.