Jeff DeMent. 

Explorer.  Adventurer.  Warrior. Designer.  Artist.

Life is short.  Make every moment count.  While most people dream of adventure or greatness, others are out doing it; making it happen. My name is Jeff DeMent.  I am Dine' (Navajo), Bit'ahnii clan.  I am a Warrior and a Protector, a Combat Veteran, descendant of the holy people and in the clan lineage of Chief Manuelito. I am the oldest son of George and Grace DeMent and grandson of Georgina Cohoe' of Two Grey Hills New Mexico.  My story is long.  my life has been filled with character building experiences.  Although very difficult at times they have made me who I am today.  I strive to live my life with honor and integrity. No matter where I go or what I do, I will never forget the lessons of my past. As challenging as things sometimes seem, if we are open minded there is something that can be learned from each and every experience.  My life has come full circle.  From innocent childhood to military combat, witnessing death, destruction and violence, and now an opportunity to bring beauty and a sense of peace back into the world through my work and traditional Diné (Navajo) Silversmithing.... 

Honestly, I don’t know how I became a jewelry artist. I remember going into galleries as a kid, seeing all of the amazing handmade Silver & Turquoise pieces, which seemed so far out of reach. To me Turquoise was magical and held so much power. I grew up with nothing on a mule ranch in the Ozarks of rural Southern Missouri. I joined the military and worked hard to pay my own way through college. Between deployments I attended Southeast Missouri University where I completed two Bachelor of Science degrees; Exercise Science and Recreation Management. I spent 16 total years in the military training for and performing combat operations and anti-terrorism, as a Combat Engineer in a Sapper Unit and later combat MP and Air Force SF. Additionally, I trained thousands of personnel in combat ops, firearms & SWAT tactics, combatives, use of force, and other tactical operations. During this time, I partnered in starting a private company where we trained tactical teams and high profile security personnel in close quarters combat, survival, land navigation, and sniper/observer operations in partnership with Special operations tactical Training International (SOTT-I). As a POST certified handgun, shotgun, and patrol rifle instructor I also taught civilian concealed carry and use of force training courses and performed high profile contract security and executive protection duties. In 2011 I sustained career ending injures in the line of duty in the military and spent almost 3 years in a medical hold/recovery status before being medically discharged from the military in July 2014. After leaving the military I started working with turquoise and silver, learning traditional tufa casting, to reconnect with my culture and find peace. Silverwork gave me a new purpose and a reason to live. it saved my life. I put my heart and soul into each and every handmade piece. I am extremely honored today, to hold a place in high end galleries around the US, Canada, Japan, London, and Paris.

My work is hand-crafted using a traditional Diné (Navajo) technique called Tufa Casting that dates back to the 1800's; over 200 years ago. My original designs are hand carved into Tuff, a compressed volcanic ash commonly called Tufa Rock, to create a mold. I heat the mold and pour molten silver into it to form each piece. After annealing, the silver is hand cut, filed and formed, then high-grade turquoise is inlayed into a bezel.  The Tufa molds are only used once, making each and every piece a true one of a kind. The Turquoise i use in my work is all Natural Stone, never stabilized or enhanced.  I pour my heart and soul into each piece to give you the best quality possible.

Turquoise has spiritual energy and characteristics of strength, protection and power.  Silver is a natural element and is one of the greatest conductors of energy of all metals.  Silver is known to increase perception, feeling, and awareness, creating a sense of balance and harmony.  Since it is a great conductor of energy it enhances Turquoise, conducting its energy to the person who wears it.  Each and every piece of my modern contemporary jewelry is traditionally hand made, filled with energy, and created with passion. 

Turquoise & Silver for the Modern Day Warrior.

-The term MODERN DAY WARRIOR is not about my Combat Veteran past, it's about you.  A WARRIOR is strong, focused and driven.  A WARRIOR does not accept defeat.  We do not give up.  We live our lives in the best way possible.  Unafraid.  Unwavering.  We stand tall in the face of adversity.  MODERN DAY WARRIORS are leaders driven to succeed in everything they do.  We help others and set an example to be followed.  MODERN DAY WARRIOR men & women live their lives with honor, integrity and purpose, making each moment count.  These brave souls are whom I am honored to see wearing my work.  The MODERN DAY WARRIOR is YOU.-

Thanks for reading. Email me via the contact page or find me on Instagram @jeff_dement