Darryl Dean Begay
Navajo (Diné)
Website
Email
Darryl has created his own niche in the Native Art world. His unique style of jewelry is rich in Navajo culture and hand made with skills that is his own. Combining the Tufa Casting technique with Lapidary inlay and fabrication, his jewelry has become sought after world wide. He learned the tufa cast technique from his uncle Bobby Begay and Darryl’s mentor, Raymond C. Yazzie, has taught Darryl how to inlay stones. Darryl creates one master piece at a time and uses all top grade material. His knowledge of turquoise is excellent as he has learned from some of the best in the business.
”My Navajo culture has a powerful influence in my jewelry. It tells a story and has cultural value that allows the ancient ceremonies and chants to live on. The use of sacred stones such as turquoise and other precious stones give my pieces a positive energy. I would like people to know that as Indigenous people, we are still holding on to our language and culture. I know my calling and it is to create beautiful jewelry and bring joy to people. I thank God for the talent he has blessed me with.” ~ Darryl Begay
In 2009 Darryl and his wife received the prestigious and coveted “Best of Show” at the 88th annual Santa Fe Indian market. It was a huge blessing to their careers.
In the News
Tribute to the ancestors
Workshops
2026 Virtual Workshops
Darryl Dean Begay still conducts Virtual Workshops through his social media page.
May 6th 2017- Special Guest Workshop Native Jewelers Society artists will hold a variety of workshops at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, AZ. This workshop featured a photography workshop by artist Darryl Dean Begay, who also presented about Tufa Casting.
January 7th, 2017 The Heard Museum will host a Native Jewelers Society (NJS) Demonstration Workshop and Emerging Jewelers Market on January 7th, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Five NJS artists, including Darryl Dean Begay, demonstrated tufa casting. NJS workshops focus on providing a greater appreciation and understanding of all native jeweler’s skills, techniques, and the time needed to create high quality, hand-made work.
November 20, 21 and 22nd, 2015– NJS Jewelry Showcase and Workshops at the Trickster Gallery in Schaumburg IL
– For the Love of Turquoise Workshop by Darryl Dean Begay
April 4, 2015– Metalsmith Workshop at the Navajo Nation Museum
Native Jewelers Society artist Raynard Scott, and other artsts presented some very unique information about their experience as Navajo silversmiths. This workshop was held Saturday, April 4th, 2014 at the Navajo Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, AZ. This workshop included LIVE demonstrations!
October 4, 2014– Metalsmith Workshop at the Navajo Nation Museum
Native Jewelers Society artists Darryl Dean Begay, and other artsts presented some very unique information about their experience as Navajo silversmiths. This workshop was held Saturday, October 4th, 2014 at the Navajo Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, AZ. This workshop included LIVE demonstrations!
June 29, 2012- Tufa Casting Workshop – Lead by Darryl Dean Begay at the Navajo Nation Museum
This youth workshop was held at the Navajo Nation Museum it was to inspire the youth by demonstrating and teaching how to tufa cast. It was a one day workshop.
TUFA CASTING–DARRYL BEGAY Jewelers Leadership Program, Part 1
TUFA CASTING–DARRYL BEGAY Jewelers Leadership Program, Part 2