Chris Pruitt

Chris Pruitt has quickly become a multiple award winner in the sphere of contemporary Native American jewelry.  The youngest of four children born to Daniel Pruitt and Geraldine Yahnozha, Chris was raised in Laguna pueblo and continues to live in his boyhood village of Paguate, New Mexico. Chris originally left home to attend culinary school in Arizona, earning the title of Personal Chef backed by his Cordon Bleu-training. Some collectors say they can see the influence of his food specialty (Japanese) reflected in his silverwork.

It wasn’t until 2006 that Chris began work as a silversmith. Mentored by older brother and jeweler Pat Pruitt and by family friend and esteemed jeweler, Charlie Bird, Chris’ “love for rocks, and working with metal began to be transformed into beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry.” As Chris puts it, his work represents “a contemporary style of silversmithing with a traditional touch.” His techniques include but are not limited to: fabricating, brazing, texturing, polishing and cutting and inlay of precious and semi-precious stones and wood.

Chris’ awards are numerous, including, Best Classification I: Jewelry at the 2011 Santa Fe Indian Market; first place for #8 Bolo at the 2012 Santa Fe Indian Market; First Place Inlay ” Love and Diamonds” Bracelet at the 2012 Eiteljorg Museum Indian Fair and Market; and 2012 1st place Division A: ” #8 Bolo at the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market.