Ray Tracey

Ray Tracey Jewelry designer native American navajo Artist

Bio

Ray Tracey is nationally and internationally known and respected as one of the most outstanding Native American Jewelers. Born and raised on the Navajo reservation in Arizona, Ray began making jewelry at the age of nine. He now has been working professionally as a jeweler since 1977.

Ray is an extremely versatile artist. He not only designs traditional Navajo Old-Style jewelry but remains on the cutting edge of contemporary design. His inlay work is unmistakable with vibrant stones such as lapis, corals, and turquoise laid into sterling silver and 14K gold.

Aside from designing, Ray also pursued his creative passions in the performing arts. As a young man he deterred from jewelry design to start a career in Hollywood. There, he spent several years as an actor in feature films and television such as “Joe Panther,” “Seems Like Old Times,” “Centennial” and “How the West Was Won.” Though eventually, Ray’s love of jewelry brought him back to designing, he is still involved in the entertainment industry – acting and producing films such as Shadow Wolves (2019).


Major Awards and Accomplishments

Best in Jewelry Santa Fe Indian Market
Niche Award Finalist Niche Magazine Awards
Best Squash Blossom Necklace Santa Fe Indian Market
Fist Place, Handmade Items Combined with Purchased Materials Santa Fe Indian Market
Best in Jewelry Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Judge's Choice - Christy Vezolles

I Jewelry and Lapidary Work

65th Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair + Market

Acting Carrer

  • Lead Actor in "Joe Panther"
  • Lead in documentary, "Indian"
  • Featured in "Seems like Old Times"
  • Guest Star in "Centennial"