Rick Tolino — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
R Tolino's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
The mark
Hougart documents this artist as Rick Tolino (Navajo/Bluebird), working in inlay. Two marks are listed:
The abbreviation "Nava·Bl" in Hougart appears to indicate Navajo / Bluebird (likely Bluebird Trading Post affiliation). The recorded initial "R. Tolino" matches the documented mark R. TOLINO directly; the full name is Rick Tolino.
What is known
- Full name: Rick Tolino
- Technique: inlay
- Marks: R. TOLINO (stamped); Rick Tolino (script)
- Affiliation note: "Nava·Bl" (Navajo; Bluebird)
No biographical dates or additional style detail appear in Hougart. No entry found in Adair 1944, Rosnek 1976, Schaaf, or Dubin sources.
Know more about R? Let us know.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 312.
- 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.
From the Library: Bassman, The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry (1997)
1997 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1997, not today.
Bassman (1997, p. 20) pictured five channel and mosaic inlay link bracelets with silverwork by Rick Tolino, their stones set by other makers: Jasper John, Gloria Livingston, Norton Becenti (two) and Zora Joe. [1]
Bassman (1997, p. 69) credited Rick Tolino with setting the channel work and mosaic inlay stones (spiny oyster shell, lapis lazuli, turquoise, sugilite and dolomite) on a matched set whose silver work was made by Norton Becenti. [1]
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.