A native of the Santo Domingo Pueblo, Wayne Aguilar grew up watching his parents, renowned silversmiths Earnestine and Tony Aguilar working with brass, silver, coral and turquoise. Aguilar attributes his talent for unique designs and quality craftsmanship to the influence of his parents and to his Native American heritage.“I am blessed and successful because of my parents’ guidance,” says Aguilar. Aguilar purchases rough stones from traders and miners, which he polishes and shapes. Working with sterling silver, he then designs and incorporates each stone into beautiful pendants, necklaces and bracelets. His trademark is to add one stone or bead of contrasting color on each side of a necklace or pendant. “My creations come from a spiritual place,” says Wayne Aguilar. He blesses each piece with reverence to his parents, his creator and the stones he utilizes. A legacy of turquoise and its power is incorporated into his impressive and imposing pieces. These works feel like ancient sacred amulets when worn, as if the strength and power of the artist is a specific gift to the wearer.