Contemporary Navajo Indian Stone Inlay Jewelry

Jimmy Poyer was born in 1954 in a hogan near where the Mexican Water is now in Northeast Arizona. At that time the closest store was the old Teec Nos Pos Trading Post. Poyer went to Teec Nos Pos boarding school until 5th grade and then attended Shiprock schools until he graduated in 1973. Poyer went to BYU for two semesters but has never taken any art courses.

For the next 23 years, Jimmy had a country western band called the "Jim Poyer Band", and even made two recordings for Canyon Records. Jimmy Harrison, a well-known Navajo inlayer, played rhythm guitar in the band.

When Poyer had enough of being a musician and being on the road all the time, the band broke and he went to work for Jimmy Harrison making jewelry. Two years later, Jimmy Poyer started making his own line of jewelry. Never formally trained, though influenced by Harrison, Poyer's natural talent shines with his clean work and beautiful stone combinations.

Jimmy Poyer loves his family and has six children with his wife Teresa. He likes using a sweat lodge. His social life includes going to squaw dances and other ceremonies. His favorite design is the bear.

"Bear to us is like lions are to Africa. He has authority. He is king or president. Bear is keeper of the mountain. That is his territory. When you go to the mountain you have to ask to go on their sacred homeland."