Jerry Nelson — Navajo Silversmith

Jerry Nelson (born 1959) is a Navajo silversmith active since 1989, working in inlay with lapis and appliqué techniques. He is the brother of Gilbert Nelson, a Navajo silversmith also documented in the T.Skies directory.

Inlay involves setting precisely cut stones or shell into recessed areas of silver. Lapis lazuli — a deep blue metamorphic rock prized in Southwestern jewelry — is among the stones associated with his work. Appliqué involves attaching decorative silver elements to a base piece.