Julian Coriz and his late wife Kelly Coriz shared a journey of creativity and love for over 20 years, residing in Santo Domingo Pueblo with their three daughters, Nayda, Danielle, and Desiree. Together, they crafted unique jewelry pieces, with each creation representing a family effort. Julian meticulously analyzed stones, selecting, slicing, and arranging them to form initial design ideas, while Kelly and their older daughters strung and polished the pieces. Their youngest daughter, Nayda, observed and learned from the family’s craft.

Julian’s passion for jewelry making ignited at the age of ten when his uncle, the renowned artist Martin Lovato, imparted the secrets of the craft to him. Drawing inspiration from his family’s traditions, Julian cherishes the opportunity to continue the legacy of heishe, crafting each piece at his own pace. He finds joy in witnessing the positive reactions of people wearing his jewelry, with his favorite creations being inlay earrings.

Guided by the artistic influences of his grandparents and parents, who were also jewelry makers, Julian honed his skills over the years. Kelly pursued her passion for education, earning a degree in early child development from the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute.

Together, Julian and Kelly faced challenges, with one of their significant milestones being their acceptance into the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market Show. Despite the loss of Kelly in 2018, Julian’s dedication to their shared craft and legacy continues to inspire and uplift those who appreciate their extraordinary jewelry creations.