John Nelson — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
John Nelson's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
John Nelson is a Navajo silversmith active since the 1970s. His specialization is silver feather jewelry, with stone sets and novelty pieces including a documented desk clock.
What is known
John Nelson is embedded in an extensive Nelson family cluster in Hougart. Adjacent entries include:
- Jerry Nelson (1959–; Navajo): inlay, lapis, appliqué; mark J N (conjoined) — note the mark difference (Jerry's J N is conjoined, John's is slanted)
- Gilbert Nelson (1960–; Navajo): mosaic inlay; brother of Jerry Nelson
- Howard Nelson (1951–; Navajo): overlay, fabricated; SWAIA Fellowship 1994
- L. Eugene Nelson (1954–; Navajo): contemporary fabricated; multiple awards
- Peter Nelson (1954–; Navajo): overlay, shadowbox; IAIA; multiple awards
John Nelson's "silver feather jewelry" specialization and the desk clock novelty suggest a craftsman comfortable working outside purely traditional forms. No birth year, award history, or institutional affiliation is recorded.
Know more about John? Let us know.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
Work by John Nelson on T.Skies
From the T.Skies YouTube channel.
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.