Bryant Waatsa, Jr. is best-known for his delicate needlepoint choker sets in a variety of patterns using either coral or the highest grades of turquoise. Learn more…
Bryant’s designs are similar to those of his father and also by his deceased uncle Evans and his son, Lance Waatsa and his wife Cordelia. Their daughter, Savannah is also now making chokers. He was taught by his recently deceased (at age 95) father, Bryant Waatsa, who was self-taught in the 1940s and assisted by his wife, Socorro. Originally the Waatsa family made petit-point, but then switched to the more delicate needlepoint for which they are so well-known among collectors. Of their seven children, four are still living, yet only two are jewelers – Luwayne, (married to Loraine Waatsa) and Bryant, Jr. Another closely-related noted jeweler was Hugh Bowekaty, married to Bryant Jr’s mother’s sister – so his uncle. Bryant was born in 1955 and is still making his choker sets, although, with the cost of the high grade turquoise he uses – about $75/oz now, his prices have risen somewhat. However they are well-worth the newer price. Back to top…