Carl Clark is Tł’izi lani (Many Goat Clan), born to Bitter Water. Irene Clark is Edge Water, born to Towering People. Their clan heritage shapes their identity and is the foundation of their introductions, their family, and their art.

Carl, born in Winslow, Arizona in 1952, taught himself silversmithing and inlaying techniques in 1973. By 1974, he had shared on his skills to Irene and his brother-in-law Tom (Monk) Baldwin. Together, they also mentored their son, Carl Clark Jr., who worked alongside them until his passing in 2004.

Irene and Carl are among the few original masters of extreme micro-fine inlay jewelry, a style they’ve developed with deep reverence for cultural legacy and artistic precision. Irene crafts their delicate earrings, rings, and necklaces. Carl shapes their bold bracelets, bolos, and buckles. Together, their work is a seamless blend of grace and strength.

Their signature water symbol, rooted in shared clan identity, marks each piece. Their initials—I for Irene, C for Carl—stand proudly within it. They have pioneered several unique techniques, including the Micro-Fine Rug Design (1980), Color Blend (1986), Curvature (1986), and most recently, a 3D Inlay Technique (2023).

Carl coined the term “micro-fine intarsia” to describe their unprecedented style, which has no formal category in jewelry history. Using only natural stones and original designs, their work resists duplication and has earned them countless awards including Best of Show, Best Craftsman, Best in Fashion, and 1st Place awards across prestigious competitions. Their jewelry has been featured in over 20 books and graced two cover publications.

Today, in their seventies, the Clarks continue to create with passion from their “cultured heart,” offering the world both beauty and blessing in every piece.