Orville Tsinnie (1943–2017)
Warm, Big-Hearted and Beloved

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | April 2026

Orville Z. Tsinnie (1943 – 2017), was a highly respected Diné-Navajo master silversmith. He is remembered as one of the great Navajo silversmiths of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, known for his meticulous craftsmanship, heavy-gauge silverwork, innovative yet rooted designs and his use of high-grade natural stones.

New Arrivals from the skilled hands of Orville Tsinnie are now waiting for you at Chimayo Trading Del Norte in Ranchos de Taos, NM. Stop by the gallery or visit us online at chimayotrading.com.

Sterling Silver, Coral
Size: 5.5”
Opening: 1.125″
Width: 1.375″
Total Weight: 2.74 ozt
$1980

This coral bracelet is particularly prized for the large, high quality natural coral. Coral was one of his favored stones.

Born in Tuba City, Arizona and grew up on the Navajo Nation. He learned the craft from his Hopi brother-in-law who taught him the basics, leading him to leave his tribal job and dedicate himself fully to jewelry-making.

Sterling Silver, Natural Royston Turquoise
Size: 6”
Opening: 1.25″
Width: 1.25″
Total Weight: 3.95 ozt
$1650

Orville and his wife, Darlene Tsinnie (also a skilled jeweler), lived and worked from a studio near Shiprock, New Mexico (Tse Bitʼaʼí in Navajo). He was a perfectionist who emphasized solid, high-quality fabrication, meticulous hand-stamping and file work.

Sterling Silver
Size: 6.25’“
Opening: 1.25″
Width: .75″
Total Weight: 3.61 ozt
$1250

Over more than 40 years, Tsinnie earned numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA). “Artist of the Year” honors from the IACA. First place at the 1986 Navajo Craftsman Exhibition (Museum of Northern Arizona).

Sterling Silver, Natural High-Grade Lone Mountain Spider Web Turquoise
Size: 9″
Face: 1.125″ x 1″
Total Weight: 0.83 ozt
$1500

Sterling SIlver, Natural Royston Turquoise
Size: 7″
Face: 1″ x 1″
Total Weight: 0.56 ozt
$980

Sterling Silver
Size: 7.25″
Face: 1.125″ x .625″
Total Weight: 0.84 ozt
$980

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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

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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.

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