Casey Sohoel-Smith, Owner and Artist
My journey into jewelry began in the most unexpected of places: my mom’s sewing chest. Yep, a handful of stolen buttons was my first foray into crafting. But from that simple start in Southern Arizona, my passion for southwestern-inspired jewelry ignited.
Fast forward to 2019, and I found myself falling head over heels for the combination of silver and turquoise. Every moment I spend designing and crafting, from handpicking each stone to intricately designing the piece, is fueled by pure love. And I owe a huge part of my craft to an incredible teacher, Sam Patania. Learning the arts of silversmithing and cabbing stones under the guidance of such a master silversmith was an absolute privilege. Coming from a respected and renowned family of artists, Sam passed on techniques and insights that have been invaluable to me.
There’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s eyes light up when they wear something I’ve created. My deep appreciation for Native American culture shines through in each of my creations. I ensure every stone is carefully selected and set with purpose. I’m a bit old-school too, often employing traditional techniques like ingot hammering and cuttlefish casting. This ensures that every piece is truly one-of-a-kind, just like the southwest.
If you ever see me around, you might notice I’m wearing some of my own creations. These are pieces I simply couldn’t part with; they’ve come to define my style and artistic journey. To me, every piece isn’t just jewelry, it’s a story, an emotion, a part of my heart.
So, as you explore my work, I hope you find pieces that resonate with your style and soul. Remember, when you wear one of my creations, you’re not just donning jewelry. You’re embracing a piece of the magical southwest, a touch of my spirit, and a promise of individuality. Welcome to my world, where every piece is a conversation between us.
Veronica White, soon-to-be Certified Gemologist (GIA)
My first experience with silversmithing came one hot summer in my uncle's garage in Texas. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for working with my hands and inspired me to continue a family tradition of jewelry making that began with my grandfather and two uncles. Their appreciation for the beauty of the Southwest and Native American jewelry has been passed down through generations. As a native Tucsonan with a lifelong fascination for rocks, gemstones, and desert culture, I am proud to carry on that heritage.
Driven by my passion for gemstones and jewelry, I am currently pursuing my Graduate Gemologist® diploma through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), with an expected graduation in Fall 2026. My studies have deepened my knowledge of gem identification, grading, and evaluation, and I look forward to offering professional gemological and jewelry appraisal services at Tanque Verde Turquoise and the Trading Post upon completing my certification.
Today, I am continuing my journey as an apprentice silversmith under Casey Sohoel-Smith at Tanque Verde Turquoise. Every day provides an opportunity to refine my craft while creating jewelry inspired by the beauty and traditions of the American Southwest. I am grateful to combine my growing knowledge of gemology with hands-on silversmithing as I help customers discover jewelry and gemstones they will treasure for years to come.
