Carl & Irene Clark ~
Created with Purpose and Spirit

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | March 2026

Carl and Irene Clark are among the few original masters of extreme micro-fine inlay jewelry, a style they’ve developed with deep reverence for cultural legacy and artistic precision. Irene crafts their delicate earrings, rings, and necklaces. Carl shapes their bold bracelets, bolos, and buckles. Together, their work is a seamless blend of grace and strength.

Chimayo Trading is delighted to have received highly sought after New Arrivals from the innovators of micro-inlay Carl & Irene Clark, multiple award winners in this Native American artform. Stop by Ranchos de Taos or visit Chimayo Trading online at chimayotrading.com to see this amazing micro-inlay work.

Ye’i Bracelet
Sterling silver, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, coral, jet, lapis, fossil, ivory
Opening: 5.25″
Width: .75″
$5500

Carl and Irene Clark are a renowned Navajo-Diné husband-and-wife team of jewelers from that hail from the Navajo Nation in Arizona and have deep roots in Diné traditions, often incorporating Navajo motifs like Ye’i figures (holy people), Tree of Life designs, and other symbolic elements into their pieces.

They are celebrated for their exceptional micro-fine inlay, also called micro-mosaic (or intarsia inlay, a term coined by Carl). They work in sterling silver, gold, and natural stones. They are considered innovators in contemporary Native American jewelry, pushing the boundaries of precision and detail in stone inlay techniques.

Necklace and Pendant
Sterling silver, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, coral, jet, lapis, spiny oyster, mother-of-pearl, 14k gold
Length: 24″
Pendant: 3″ x 1″
$4950

Carl taught himself silversmithing and inlay techniques in 1973 through trial and error, starting with an impulsive first piece and no formal teacher. He began with classic Navajo styles but quickly experimented with Hopi overlay and other methods. In 1974, he taught Irene the craft, and later they taught their late son, Carl Clark Jr. They have been creating jewelry collaboratively since around 1974. Carl previously worked as a shop manager overseeing multiple silversmiths, which gave him additional insight into the trade.

Carl is often credited as the great innovator of “micro-fine intarsia” inlay, a technique sometimes involving thousands of extremely tiny, precisely cut and fitted stones that create intricate, seamless mosaic-like designs. Their work is noted for its Art Deco-inspired precision, bold colors from natural stones (turquoise, lapis, coral, mother-of-pearl, etc.), and high level of craftsmanship.

Designs often feature reversible elements, stamped silver accents, or traditional Navajo imagery. They work in both sterling silver and higher-end materials like 14kt or 18kt gold. Their jewelry is prized by collectors and has been exhibited in museums and galleries like Chimayo Trading.

They are viewed as masters of their medium, with pieces described as “unrivaled” in intricacy. Their work resists duplication and has earned them countless awards including Best of Show, Best Craftsman, Best in Fashion, and 1st Place awards across prestigious competitions. Their jewelry has been featured in over 20 books and graced two cover publications like Ornament magazine, which profiled their life and artistry in depth. Their innovative work has also been featured in prominent museums such as the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum, (IAIA Museum) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and The Smithsonian Museum.

Ring
Sterling silver, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, coral, jet, lapis, and spiny oyster
Face: 1.125″ x 6.25″
Size: 9.5
$3500

They continue to produce work from their studio and emphasize pride in their craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Pieces by Carl and Irene Clark are highly sought after in the Native American art market, often commanding significant value due to the labor-intensive nature of the micro-inlay process.

If you have enjoyed our newsletters and learning about the artists and artwork we represent, or if you’ve had a good experience visiting our gallery, please take a moment to let us know by leaving a review using the links below.

Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

We buy individual pieces or whole collections.

Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your collectible art.
We’re interested in locating relevant collections and original New Mexico artwork for purchase. We buy historic and contemporary relevant paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings and more.

Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

• Instagram
• Facebook

Copyright © 2024 Chimayo Trading Del Norte | Ranchos Del Taos, 87557 | All rights reserved.