Herbert Taylor
Silver Into Gold

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | February 2026

Herbert Taylor was a talented Navajo (Diné) silversmith and jeweler known for his high-quality handmade jewelry, particularly in sterling silver, with later work incorporating gold.

Chimayo Trading has added New Arrivals to our Bolo Tie Collection such as this radiant piece by Herbert Taylor. Come to the gallery in Ranchos de Taos to try one on, or visit us online at chimayotrading.com for Free Shipping.

Herbert Taylor
14k Gold, Carico Lake Turquoise
2.5″ x 1.75″
Length: 44″
Total Weight: 3.65 ozt
$12500

Taylor began learning silversmithing in the summer of 1972, initially as a practical way to earn money for new tires for his Oldsmobile Delta 88. His sister helped him get started. He crafted his first bracelet with five turquoise cabochons then sold it, and used the proceeds for the tires… this sparked a lifelong career.

Tommy Jackson
Sterling Silver, Kingman Turquoise
2.5″ x 2.5″
Length: 45″
$1250

He worked as a weekend jeweler initially while likely holding other jobs, but in 1984 he committed to it full-time. By 1988, he expanded into working with gold in addition to silver.

Vintage Navajo
Sterling Silver, Bisbee Turquoise
2.5″ x 1.75″
Length: 44″
$1250

His pieces often featured techniques like inlay work with stones such as turquoise, coral, lapis, sugilite and others, overlay designs, stamping, and fabrication entirely by hand. Examples include cuffs with inlaid stones, gold bracelets with spiderweb turquoise and motifs like Kokopelli or Hopi-inspired designs, and items incorporating 14k gold accents (e.g., golden bears).

Charlie John
Sterling Silver, Royston Turquoise
2.75″ x 2″
Length: 44″
$950

He was regarded as a master award-winning silversmith, and his work is highly collectible today, appearing in galleries specializing in Native American jewelry such as Chimayo Trading Del Norte, as well as auction sites and collections.

Charlie John
Sterling Silver, Kingman Turquoise
2.75″ x 2″
Length: 42″
$950

Tragically, Herbert Taylor passed away in 1996 at the young age of 36, making his pieces rare and sought-after. His influence extended to others; he taught jewelry-making techniques (including inlay and lapidary) to his wife at the time, who went on to become a noted jeweler herself after his death.

Charlie John
Sterling Silver, Royston Turquoise
2.75″ x 2″
Length: 44″
$950

Chimayo Trading is honored to offer this rare 14k Gold Bolo Tie handcrafted by Herbert Taylor that is lighting up our showroom while also honoring the work of this very talented metalsmith who graced us with his work for a short but very productive time.

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Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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