Ray Tracey
Overview
Ray Tracey (born 1953) is a Navajo actor and silversmith active since the 1970s, working in multiple styles; per our reference books his jewelry has been carried at more than 500 jewelry shops nationwide. He is the brother of Larry and Leslie Tracey, and a multiple award winner.
Knifewing Segura, musician and vocalist, was an early partner and design collaborator, and one mark combines their initials. His primary documented marks are a feather, and a Tracey stylized script above a feather or double feather, sometimes accompanied by the name of a specific design line (e.g., Hands of Time). Parts of the entry also record an 'LR Tracey' with feather mark using designs and molds created by his late brother Leslie Tracey, and note that QVC pieces may also carry the 'WJ' stamp of Waldeck Jewelry in Albuquerque, NM.
Collector's caution: attribution here has documented wrinkles — one mark combines Ray Tracey's initials with collaborator Knifewing Segura's; 'LR Tracey' pieces use designs and molds created by his late brother Leslie Tracey; and QVC pieces may also carry the 'WJ' stamp of Waldeck Jewelry in Albuquerque, NM. Read the whole mark set before attributing.
The Mark
"Ray Tracey (1953-; Navajo). Active since 1970s. Multiple styles. Actor and silversmith Ray Tracey's jewelry has been carried at more than 500 jewelry shops nationwide.17 Brother of Larry and Leslie Tracey. Knifewing Segura, musician and vocalist, was an early partner and design collaborator of Ray Tracey, and one mark combines their initials. Multiple award winner. Marks: A feather; Tracey stylized script (above a feather or double feather); sometimes accompanied with the name of the specific design line, i.e., Hands of Time [...]"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: A feather; Tracey stylized script (above a feather or double feather), sometimes accompanied by the name of a specific design line.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Schiffer, Nancy N. Turquoise Jewelry. Revised 4th ed. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 2008. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2008.
- 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.
- Baxter, Paula A., with Allison Bird-Romero. Encyclopedia of Native American Jewelry: A Guide to History, People, and Terms. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 2000. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2000.
- Tryk, Sheila. Santa Fe Indian Market: Showcase of Native American Art. Photography by Mark Nohl; introduction by Allan Houser. Santa Fe, NM: Tierra Publications, in cooperation with SWAIA (Southwestern Association on Indian Affairs), 1993. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 1993.
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
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From the Library: Schiffer, Turquoise Jewelry (2008)
2008 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2008, not today.
Schiffer (2008, p. 21) illustrated a turquoise, silver, shell and lapis lazuli inlaid pendant on a silver chain, with an inlaid coral and lapis bracelet, by Ray Tracey, Navajo, circa 1980s. [1]
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. 47) pictured a 14-karat gold choker, pendant and matching bracelet by Ray Tracey inlaid with Afghanistan lapis lazuli and Australian opal and set with diamonds in the pavé technique. [2]
From the Library: Baxter, Encyclopedia of Native American Jewelry (2000)
2000 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2000, not today.
Writing in 2000, Baxter assessed his standing in the 1990s:
“Possibly the best-known Navajo jeweler of the 1990s is Ray Tracey (b. 1953), who has successfully marketed his pieces in a variety of price ranges according to their design specifications and the materials used.”
— Baxter (2000), p. 118 [3]
Baxter (2000), who listed him as Navajo, born 1953, wrote:
“A silversmith since he was 10, Tracey has organized his business practices with great attention to those used by successful non-native business organizations.”
— Baxter (2000), p. 177 [3]
As of 2000, Baxter (2000, p. 177) described his company, Tracey Ltd., based in Gallup, New Mexico, as employing numerous Native artists who made moderately priced pieces from his designs, alongside his own one-of-a-kind pieces. [3]
Baxter (2000) on the line that carried his name:
“His jewelry line, Tracey Knifewing, is popular because it balances native designs with mainstream jewelry conventions, relying on contemporarily styled geometric shapes and strongly colored inlaid stones.”
— Baxter (2000), p. 177 [3]
According to Baxter (2000, p. 177), he began by exhibiting at the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial. [3]
From the Library: Tryk, Santa Fe Indian Market (1993)
1993 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1993, not today.
Writing in 1993, Tryk (1993, p. 214) described Ray Tracey, Navajo, as having become noted for his innovative work, his marketing expertise and his assistance to other Native American artists. [4]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 160) recorded that the Zuni jewelers Duran Gasper and his brother Arnie Gasper worked for a year for the jewelry designer Ray Tracey. [5]
Schaaf (2003, p. 231) recorded that the Navajo jeweler Benson Manygoats worked as a smith for Ray Tracey for 14 years. [5]
Schaaf (2003, p. 308) recorded Ray Tracey's mark from 1976 as Tracey with a feather symbol, and explained the rule as of 2003: a feather mark without his name means the piece is from the bench of his shop, while one he made himself is by the hand of Ray Tracey and carries his full name in script. [5]
Schaaf (2003) wrote:
“Ray still makes some jewelry personally, while his other designs are constructed by a number of professional jewelers.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 308 [5]
Schaaf (2003, p. 308) recorded Ray Tracey as Navajo, working in contemporary gold, silver, mosaic, channel inlay and cast jewelry, a brother of Larry Tracey, associated with Tracey Enterprise, showing at Indian Market from 1982 to 1996, where he won Best of Class and Best of Division in 1986. [5]
Schaaf (2003, p. 333) named Ray Tracey as the teacher of the Navajo channel-inlay jeweler Alvin Yellowhorse, born in 1968 and active from about 1988. [5]
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.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.