Cheryl Yestewa

Cheryl Yestewa, Hopi/Navajo, b. 1958

Cheryl Yestewa creates exquisite necklaces of gemstone beads, carved, rolled and polished by hand. Very few contemporary artists hand carve natural beads, and Cheryl is highly respected for this difficult work with stones. Completely self taught, she has been making her jewelry for 25 years.

"I'm a purist. I let the stones become the focal point of my work. I don't want to overpower the beauty of the stones. I want to enhance it."