Platero makes special statement pieces that are both refined and inspired.
Ask avid turquoise collectors what makes a jewelry piece special and they’re likely to describe the way it reflects not just their own taste but also the individuality of the maker and the traditions of the trade.
And, if they’ve discovered him, they might point out the work of Navajo silversmith Freddy Platero, an exciting and relatively new artist out of New Mexico.
Though he only took up his place at the bench three years ago, Platero makes special statement pieces that are both refined and inspired. His Freddy Platero Designs appeal to the bold, fun, and funky while balancing classic elements of Western-style silversmithing. No matter the shape or stone, he enjoys creating with his customer in mind, striving to align their vision and his style.
Platero is no stranger to the art of silversmithing. His name in Spanish means silversmith, and the tradition has been passed down through four generations of his family.
Growing up in Gallup, New Mexico, Platero explored his environment freely and learned from his mother. When he wasn’t observing her refining metal into works of art, he could be found tending to his family’s sheep, hiking, or riding rock plateaus.
“The West is in my blood,” Platero says. “It’s more than wearing boots, riding a horse, or seeing the Southwestern sunset. The West is living the traditions passed down through generations — a love in our hearts that can’t be broken!”
Freddy Platero Designs can be found exclusively on his Facebook page, where he handles requests for custom pieces. Each piece is stamped with a script-style hallmark of his first name, Freddy, for authenticity.
Photography: Courtesy Fredy Platero