Chris Tom — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark
Chris Tom's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Chris Tom is a Navajo silversmith specializing in channel inlay work. Channel inlay is a demanding technique in which thin strips of stone or shell are fitted into pre-cut metal channels, requiring precise stone-cutting and careful fitting to produce clean, geometric compositions characteristic of Navajo contemporary jewelry.
The mark
The mark is a script signature — the full name "Chris Tom" written in cursive — rather than initials or an abbreviated stamp. Script signatures indicate a silversmith working under their own name and are often associated with artists who sell directly or through established gallery relationships.
What is known
Chris Tom appears in Hougart's Tom-surname cluster, which includes Bryan L. Tsiiyupovi Tom, Clarence B. Tom, Clayton Tom, Duane Tom, Elizabeth Tom, and Gilbert Tom. No familial or professional relationship between Chris Tom and these other artists is specified in Hougart.
No birth year, death year, active period, award history, or additional biographical detail was located beyond the Hougart hallmark entry.
Know more about Chris? Let us know.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 312.