Colton James is a proud Choctaw silversmith, deeply connected to his heritage and dedicated to preserving his family’s artistic legacy. Drawing inspiration from traditional Choctaw designs and patterns, Colton channels his cultural identity into every piece of jewelry he creates. His work is more than craftsmanship; it is a form of storytelling, embodying the history, traditions, and values of the Choctaw people.
Colton’s journey into silversmithing is deeply rooted in family tradition. His grandfather, a celebrated Choctaw silversmith who worked closely with the renowned Jerry Lowman, introduced the craft to the family. After retiring from his career at the Choctaw Hospital in Talihina, Colton’s grandfather devoted his life to jewelry-making, producing intricate pieces ranging from rings and bracelets to necklaces and watches. These creations, often sold at powwows and cultural events or gifted to friends and family, became a tangible expression of his artistry and generosity.
After his grandfather’s passing, Colton’s father continued the family tradition, honing his skills and sharing the craft with the next generation. As a child, Colton often explored the workshop, collecting unfinished pieces, stones, and scraps scattered across the floor. These early interactions sparked his curiosity and led to hands-on experiences where he assisted his father with small tasks like buffing, polishing, and setting stones. Over time, Colton’s fascination with silversmithing evolved into a personal passion.
“I would crawl around and find pieces that were unfinished–some pieces that were just started, some pieces that just needed to be polished up a little bit. I’d give them to my dad, and we would finish them. Eventually, he would have me do some small tasks, like hold the torch, move it back and forth, or hold a piece of solder,” remembered Colton.
One pivotal moment in Colton’s artistic journey came when he decided to create an eagle feather pendant—a piece that would connect three generations of his family. Using a scrap of silver from his grandfather’s collection, which already had an eagle feather design outlined in marker, Colton collaborated with his father to bring the piece to life. Guided by his father’s wisdom and his own emerging skills, Colton crafted the pendant, a symbol of continuity and pride that he wears daily.
Swipe →Because of what my grandpa and dad passed down to me, I feel more connected to them.
– Colton
It’s really nice knowing this is something that my grandpa was doing, my dad is doing, and now something that I'm doing. I get to keep it going for the rest of my life. And then, if I have a family in the future, I’ll pass it on to them or teach others.
Colton’s work reflects his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Inspired by the high standards set by his grandfather, he strives to create jewelry that resonates with both cultural significance and artistic quality. While every piece carries personal and familial connections, Colton also delights in crafting custom designs for clients, often embedding their personal stories and memories into the jewelry. For example, he once transformed a cherished quartz stone into a pendant for a customer, ensuring the piece could be passed down as a family heirloom.
Beyond jewelry-making, Colton is a multifaceted artist and cultural ambassador. He is also a skilled coppersmith, basket weaver, and stickball player, deeply involved in preserving and celebrating Choctaw traditions. Additionally, his talents have led to appearances in films, television shows, magazines, and newspapers, further showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling.
Individually, we may not succeed or get as far as we want to, but together with all of these different people, with all these different trades, this knowledge, these skills, we all come together to work together.
Colton’s vision for the future includes opening a dedicated workshop and gallery where he can create and share his art with the public. He dreams of a space where visitors can witness the jewelry-making process, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural heritage behind each piece. Ultimately, Colton aspires to pass down his knowledge and skills to future generations, ensuring that his family’s legacy and Choctaw traditions continue to thrive.
For Colton, silversmithing is more than a profession—it is a way to honor his ancestors, connect with his heritage, and share the beauty of Choctaw culture with the world. Each piece of jewelry he creates carries a story, blending the past, present, and future into a tangible expression of art, identity, and community.
