Ray Bennett — Navajo 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 · 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.