The artists who are currently shaping the future of the BG Mudd collection are the children and grandchildren of the original lapidaries and gold and silver smiths who started with B. G. Mudd during our first years.

                The explosion of interest in Native Americans during the 1970’s was a phenomenon this industry had never seen before or since.  The Native American artists were astounded by the ever-increasing demand for their craft.  Most of the jewelry made during this time was in the Navajo style of using sterling silver and stone settings.  B. G. Mudd wanted to be different.  We wanted to elaborate on the idea of combining the Zuni style of inlay with the Navajo work in sterling silver.

                With this goal in mind Gary Gordon, an Indian Trader in Zuni, began working with Navajos using stone inlay in combination with their silver.  Gary felt that the true art of creating jewelry must begin with a design and then be further embellished with stone and silver, making each piece unique in both design and craftsmanship.

                The Navajos learned quickly from the Zuni lapidaries who were employed by B.G. Mudd, but the early pieces left much to be desired in both expertise and technique.  Still, we were able to sell the jewelry due to the high demand for Native American crafts during this period.  It was in this way that we were able to finance ourselves while further perfecting the craft.  During the boom, some artists were satisfied with making simple pieces for monetary reward rather than for the artistic value of their work.  With each piece of jewelry, B.G. Mudd requires artists to perform at their highest level of creativity.

                Making these demands has certainly paid off.  Not only is B.G. Mudd’s jewelry displayed and sold at the most prominent Native American and Southwest galleries, but we have also received some of the highest awards given to Native American craftsman.  These awards include Best of Show, Best of Class, and Best of Category from the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremony.

                If a piece is hallmarked Canyon Collection® one can be assured that it is of the highest quality available from our artists.  At B.G. Mudd we guarantee all of our jewelry and will repair or replace any piece that is flawed due to craftsmanship or material.

                B.G. Mudd is more than just another company making jewelry.  We are a family of caring people who are proud of what we do.  From beginning to end, each piece of jewelry is crafted and backed with pride.  We hope that you will share in that pride when you wear it.

(Barbara, Gary and Mudd-the Gordon family dog