Why is Thomas Jim Jewelry Popular?

Thomas Jim is one of the finest Native American Jewelry artists from clans of well-known silversmiths, namely Big Water and Near Water Clans. He is a clan brother of Ned Nez, Leonard Nez, Steven Begay, and Mary Tom. Though he grew up with his silversmith grandfather, he is largely a self-thought artist. Collectors of Native American pieces or Navajo jewelry seek Thomas Jim pieces because of their stunning beauty and rarity.

Thomas Jim is famous for creating Concho belts, belt buckles, bolas, and squash blossoms made of sterling silver with heavy and deep stamps. Almost all his creations incorporate the finest quality of turquoise, although he also uses coral stones. Thomas Jim believes that each type of stone is unique. He challenges himself to highlight the stone’s personality by using meticulous and thorough techniques that allow him to produce detailed cutouts of sterling silver. This explains why each piece of Thomas Jim jewelry is a work of art.

Another remarkable thing about Thomas Jim is his flexibility. He is not confined to one style; in fact, he enjoys handcrafting both traditional and contemporary jewelry. While he is famous for sterling silver, he also makes gorgeous pieces with 14-karat gold. Some of his works combine both metals, too. This artist is likewise a renowned maker of quality jewelry boxes.

Because of his talent, he was recognized at the Santa Fe Indian Market and Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial where he was awarded best of show and best of jewelry, respectively. It’s easy to see why collectors from across the globe hunt down his creations.

Aside from belts and buckles, Jim now makes bejeweled turquoise bracelets and rings with sterling silver. They are sold by exclusive jewelers that have been directly working with Native American jewelry makers for decades.

 

Incredibly Elegant Jewelry by Darryl Dean Begay

Darryl Dean Begay makes some of the finest Native American jewelry pieces with tufa casting technique. Darryl has over a decade of experience in silversmithing, and his expertise earned him numerous accolades and wards at the Santa Fe Indian Market His distinctive and timeless jewelry is a perfect example of an artist’s deep connections to his Navajo culture and roots. This can be seen on many of his rings, bracelets, bolo ties, and rings.

He always seeks out the finest natural American turquoise with which to work. Gem grade turquoise always adds a pop of color to his creations and makes each of Darryl Dean Begay’s jewelry pieces more valuable as collectibles. Colors are crucial to his work as they reflect the customs of the Navajo. Apart from turquoise, Darryl Dean Begay uses other colorful stones like mother of pearl, lapis, and coral to make a statement with his jewelry. Many of his artisanal pieces feature traditional Christian and Navajo motifs, particularly on his tufa cast creations.

Some of his creations may seem simple at first, but a closer look will always reveal intricate details that discerning jewelry collectors will appreciate. His rare gem grade Indian Mountain spiderweb turquoise on solid 18K gold over tufa cast sterling silver bracelet is a good example of this. Outside is a sophisticated and wide cuff-like design with carving and hand-cast details within. The top is plain to draw attention to the Indian Mountain turquoise. The inside features a graceful dragonfly with a precious Bisbee gem on its abdomen. To complete the piece, Darryl personally carved ‘Hozho’, a Navajo word for spiritual harmony.

If you’re searching for an eye-catching piece, consider Darryl Den Begay’s rare gem grade Lone Mountain turquoise Dragonfly tufa cast bracelet, which features sophisticated carvings of a swarm of dragonflies over water. The dragonflies are carefully proportioned to cover the entire length of the cuff. Each creature has a Lone Mountain cabochon on its abdomen to contrast the silver finish of the piece.

Thomas Curtis, an Outstanding Native American Jeweler

Award-winning Navajo silversmith Thomas Curtis is known for his stunningly beautiful silver jewelry. Thomas professionally made jewelry for more than 50 years. He was among the top Navajo silversmiths who received prestigious accolades, including ‘Best in Class’ at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market in 1987. He was featured in Arizona Highways Magazine in May 2003. He was also hailed as the Rocking Horse Ranch’s bench silversmith in Flagstaff in 1985.

Thomas developed his skills as a silversmith during childhood, when he helped his grandpa make silver jewelry. Thomas made all his jewelry by hand, even the die set pieces. He used hardened steel die sets to stamp silver jewelry and he carved silver flawlessly with chisels. His designs were inspired by the trends of the 1890s to the 1940s contemporary styles, taking his cue from Kenneth Begay, whom he knew.

He died on July 10, 2013, but despite his passing, his jewelry pieces have held their value and are appreciating. His unique creations are widely praised for their intricate crafting and beautiful designs. His collection of silver jewelry is available online and being sold in specialty retail websites. You can find some of the best Thomas Curtis silver jewelry in online stores that specialize in fine Native American jewelry and rare natural American turquoise.

Some of his best creations are heavy gauge sterling silver rings and bracelets. One of his rings was cut from heavy and thick sterling silver and deeply stamped before it was filed. The tire tracks-like design is noteworthy for its detail and reverse stamping, resulting in a complex interwoven look. The ring is among his last creations before his death.

He also made bracelets, bolos, buckles and gorgeous concho belts prior to his passing. A heavy gauge sterling silver bracelet has a delicate symmetry with a deep stamp work, which Thomas is known for. The bracelet feels perfect on the wrist with its elegant and eye-catching detail.