Tribe: Navajo

     Etta and Randy Endito met in 1978 and they started smithing together in 1980. They grew up a little over an hour’s drive from one another, Etta in Crownpoint, NM and Randy in Smith Lake, NM. They both would regularly help their parents make jewelry after school. Their mothers were very talented silversmiths and taught Etta and Randy much of what they know today. Etta still has a piece of jewelry that her father made years ago, which she treasures. Etta and Randy both have enormous respect for their parents and are grateful for the lessons they learned.  Randy’s specialty is the shaping and stamping of the silver. Etta enjoys creating the designs and patterns. They come together in harmony, building a unique piece of jewelry. Etta says, “We are proud to be making this jewelry. This is something we still make in America, by Americans. Buy Native American Made!” 

     Today, they have three grown sons and one daughter in middle school. All three of their sons show interest and talent in silversmithing and hope to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Despite her children’s smithing abilities, Etta says the greatest gift they have given her is her grandchildren, Sofia & Mikey. She says, “I love them with all my heart, along with their mothers, of course.” The Endito family is a true team. Always loving and respectful of one another. 

     Etta worked 7 years as production manager and is now our turquoise buyer in tandem with Deanna Olson. She is constantly learning and getting to know new mines and stone cutters. Deanna says, “She has a gift for matching and picking winning rocks.”

     “I’ve been working for Silver Sun for 21 years. I’ve learned a lot from Deanna. I will forever be thankful to her for teaching me a lot especially in the turquoise area. I know my turquoise mines now. She has also taught me a lot about the Native American Indian jewelry business. I can say that I’m very mellow and love meeting people. I get along with just about anyone. I have a lot of respect for other artists, God Bless Them. “ –Etta Endito.

Sadly, Randy passed away in 2020. He is survived by his wife, Etta, and their four children. We miss him dearly.