Ray Bennett — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark

Biography by Mateo James

Hallmark of Ray Bennett (Navajo) — photographed by T.Skies

Ray Bennett's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.

Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library

The mark

"Ray Bennett (1951-2003; Navajo). Jewelry. Traditional designs; stone sets and stamp work, sometimes with gold. Father [of Ray Bennett Jr.]. Marks: [R. BENNETT] (OCR impaired); Ray Bennett (caps & lower case)" — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 59.

Hougart documents two silversmiths of this name:

Note: The first mark on the Ray Bennett Sr. entry is partially obscured by OCR degradation; the visible text reads ". . _• •NNETT" preceding the semicolon, most likely "R. BENNETT" or "RAY BENNETT." The second mark, "Ray Bennett (caps & lower case)," is clear.

What is known

  • Life/active span: 1951–2003
  • Techniques: traditional designs, stone sets, stamp work; occasional gold use
  • Marks: [R. BENNETT, probable] (stamped); Ray Bennett (caps & lower case)
  • Father of Ray Bennett Jr.
  • Life/active span: 1975–2017
  • Techniques: modern designs
  • Mark: RAY BENNETT (stamped)
  • Son of Ray Bennett Sr.

No entry found in Adair 1944, Rosnek 1976, Schaaf, or Dubin sources.

Know more about Ray? Let us know.

References

  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 59.

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.