Cecil Sanders

Cecil Sanders is a renowned Navajo (Diné) silversmith whose career reached prominence during the late 20th-century jewelry renaissance. Best known for his distinctive “CS” hallmark, Sanders is celebrated for blending traditional Navajo iconography—such as corn stalks and spirit bears—with a refined, contemporary approach to stone setting. He is a master of contrast, often pairing high-polish sterling silver with vivid, non-traditional stones like gaspeite, opal, and malachite.

Sanders’ work is highly collectible and has been featured in prestigious institutions, including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. A versatile artist, he has also been known to collaborate with family members, such as Alice Sanders, to create intricate multi-stone inlay and cast figures. Today, Cecil Sanders is recognized as a steward of the Diné silversmithing tradition who successfully pushed the boundaries of the medium, creating pieces that are both culturally significant and timelessly modern.