Designers and Goldsmiths Michael & Melanie Kirk-Lente (Isleta Pueblo) continue to carry on their well-known family tradition in crafting Native American Jewelry. Both were taught by Melanie’s father, renowned artist Andy Lee Kirk, and later attended the Gemological Institute of America where they completed the Graduate Jeweler Program in 1996.

Constantly striving to combine contemporary elegance with Native American design themes is the driving force that motivates this husband-and-wife team to continually evolve, allowing their designs to actually redefine the Native American jewelry art form. Their jewelry design is known for the use of traditional and contemporary materials, such as gold, sterling silver, turquoise, coral, Australian opal, sugilite, and diamonds.

The family tradition of creating high-quality art works was established by Andy Kirk, extending throughout the family to include Melanie’s uncle Michael Kirk and his family: Cousin Anthony Gatewood, Sister Kimberlee Kirk, and most recently, Michael’s brother Andrew Lente.

There are other art mediums constantly explored and expanded on by their family: Metal art by Cousin Brandon Jojola, pottery by grandparents, aunts, and Melanie’s mother. The Lentes draw from the rich heritage in Native arts that the entire family shares.

Surrounded by their three daughters, Justine, Taylor, and Samantha, inspiration never runs short. Life in their native Isleta Pueblo is ingrained with their Native beliefs and steeped in centuries-old traditions. Participation in pueblo ceremonies remains a priority to their family values. Melanie and Michael share, "Our way of life has been handed down for hundreds of years, and will continue to flourish through the next generation of the Native people."