Born into a ranching family, Hendren
is a bull rider, roper, and horse trainer,
as well as a master metalsmith and
authority on Indian art and jewelry.
He says his collectors are drawn to his
work for what it represents — resil-
ience, tradition, independence, self-
made, proud. “Wearing my work tells
the world they, too, are proud of where
they come from, with an eye on shap-
ing the future for the better.”
Working primarily in silver, Hen-
dren also uses gold and has always in-
corporated turquoise and gems like io-
lite, garnet, and peridot in his designs.
He takes great pride in craftsmanship,
and the foundation of his work is
sustainability and durability. “My mom
comes from the Navajo (Dine) people
who’ve always been a semi-nomadic
archetype who move with the sea-
sons farming, hunting and gathering.
Because of this, one’s wealth had to be
portable. Navajos wear their wealth,
primarily in jewelry. Our jewelry has
always been substantial. Great empha-
sis is put on the quality of stones, with
preference given to natural stones.”
This is reinforced by the silverwork
found on saddles, bridles, and other
items, Hendren says, that were also
symbols of their wealth and a way of
taking it with them when they moved
from ranch to ranch. “Due to usage
and exposure, the work had to be well
made. These are the things I’ve carried
forward in my work.”
DEBORAH YONICK has been writing about
jewelry and fashion trends for more than 25 years for trade and consumer publications and
online, and has loved both for much longer!
With roots in New York, she presently lives and works in York, PA.Rembrandt CharmsCowboy Charms
Sterling silverPHOTO: COURTESY
REMBRANDT CHARMS
Pluma de Hueso EarringsVincent Peach
Pavé diamonds, sterling silver, hand-carved feathers
PHOTO: COURTESY VINCENT PEACHMontana Double Wrap Vincent Peach
14K rose gold, Tahitian pearl, Bracelet/Choker
PHOTO: COURTESY VINCENT PEACHbovine leatherMake
COWBOY BOOT EARRINGS,
PAGE 26, AND A DRAGONFLY
CROSS, PAGE 34NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 25Seven Horseshoe RingKelly Herd
PHOTO: COURTESY KELLY HERDSterling silver, CZ