Veronica Poblano

Veronica Poblano – Zuni Silversmith and Contemporary Jeweler

Veronica Poblano is a celebrated Zuni artist known for her sculptural, flowing jewelry that bridges tradition and innovation. Born in 1951 in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, she is the daughter of legendary Zuni carver and jeweler Leo Poblano, whose legacy helped shape modern Native American jewelry. Veronica began her artistic journey carving stone as a young girl, eventually developing a distinctive jewelry style that brought her national acclaim.

Poblano’s work is instantly recognizable for its organic, asymmetric forms and use of high-quality natural stones such as turquoise, coral, lapis, and opal. Each piece is hand-fabricated, often in sterling silver or 14k gold, and constructed with undulating lines that feel both modern and deeply rooted in the landscape and spirit of the Southwest. Her jewelry has been described as “wearable sculpture,” combining elegance with movement and energy.

Veronica Poblano emerged as an influential voice in contemporary Native jewelry during the 1970s and 1980s and has remained a respected figure ever since. Her pieces have been exhibited at major institutions, including the American Museum of Natural History as part of the landmark exhibition Totems to Turquoise: Native North American Jewelry Arts of the Northwest and Southwest. She was awarded a SWAIA fellowship in 1993, recognizing her contributions to Native art.

Today, Poblano continues to mentor younger Native artists and is involved in cultural preservation through educational and community initiatives. Her work is collected internationally and remains a powerful example of how Native jewelry can evolve while honoring ancestral traditions.