Tom Willeto

Tom Willeto is a recognized Navajo (Diné) silversmith celebrated for his dedication to traditional, “Old Style” casting techniques. Willeto’s pieces are identified by their heavy-gauge silver construction, intricate stamp patterns, and a mastery of sandcasting and tufa-casting. While many Diné artisans have moved toward high-glitz modernism, Tom Willeto remains a steward of the classic, rugged aesthetic—utilizing sawtooth bezels, deep oxidized finishes, and natural, matrix-heavy stones.

Today, pieces hallmarked “T. Willeto” are highly valued by collectors for their sturdy construction, cultural authenticity, and the artist’s keen eye for selecting high-grade turquoise with unique character. He is part of a multi-generational lineage of Willeto artists (including renowned carvers like Leonard and Robin Willeto) who have made significant contributions to the preservation and evolution of Navajo art.