Calvin Begay — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
Calvin Begay's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Navajo silversmith born 1965, active since 1983. Multiple award winner working in both traditional and contemporary styles.
The mark
"Calvin [C logo]; Calvin Begay (script; may be marked TSF [Touch of Santa Fe])" (Hougart, 5th ed., p. 47–48)
What is known
Calvin Begay (1965–; Navajo) is recorded in Hougart as active since 1983, working in traditional and contemporary styles: sand casting, mosaic and channel inlay, cobblestone inlay, jewelry, and boxes — in both silver and gold. He is listed as a multiple award winner. His marks include a stylized "Calvin" initial mark and a script "Calvin Begay," the latter sometimes accompanied by "TSF" for Touch of Santa Fe.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), pp. 47–48.
- Bassman, Theda. The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry. Photography by Gene Balzer. Walnut, California: Kiva Publishing, 1997. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1997.
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
From the Library: Bassman, The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry (1997)
1997 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1997, not today.
Bassman (1997) credited a bracelet to two makers:
“Channel and mosaic turquoise inlay by Norton Becenti and silverwork by Calvin Begay.”
— Bassman (1997), p. 19 [1]
Bassman (1997, p. 70) pictured an inlaid necklace and matching earrings whose silver work was made by Calvin Begay, with the stones set by Wilbert Muskett, Jr. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
According to Schaaf (2003, p. 72), Calvin Begay, active from about 1983 in silver and gold mosaic inlay, sand casting and boxes, learned from his mother and an uncle, and won Best of Show at the 1989 Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup and Best Box there in 1991. [2]
Schaaf (2003) named an unexpected source for his work:
“The famous Fabergé eggs inspired him”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 73 [2]
This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.