John Nelson — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark
John Nelson's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo · 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), p. ~225.