Russ Rockbridge
Hallmark documented in: Hougart, Schaaf (1200 Bios), art-amerindien.com. Rendered from the documented mark, not a photograph.
Overview
Russ Rockbridge (born 1958) is a Navajo silversmith active since the 1980s — hand-wrought work with stone sets. He is a multiple award winner.
He worked at Rocking Horse Ranch in the 1980s, and his work may be stamped for the shop. His documented marks: RR — the form used at Rocking Horse Ranch — and R. ROCKBRIDGE.
Collector's caution: Russ Rockbridge's RR mark was used at Rocking Horse Ranch, where he worked in the 1980s, and pieces may be stamped for the shop rather than the man. Read an RR stamp together with any shop marks and the work itself before attribution.
The Mark
"Russ Rockbridge (1958-; Navajo). Active since 1980s. Hand wrought; stone sets. Worked at Rocking Horse Ranch in 1980s. Multiple award winner. May be stamped for the Rocking Horse Ranch. Marks: RR (used at Rocking Horse Ranch); R. ROCKBRIDGE"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: RR (used at Rocking Horse Ranch); R. ROCKBRIDGE.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- 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.
Know more about this artist? Contact T.Skies.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003) entered him as
“Russ Rockbridge (Russell Rockbridge)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 272 [1]
Schaaf (2003, p. 272) recorded Russ Rockbridge as Navajo, born in 1958 at Ganado, Arizona, active from the 1980s in traditional fabricated silver, with Best of Class at the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial in 1985, Best of Jewelry at O'odham Tash in 1986, and his work in the exhibition Lost and Found Traditions: Native American Art 1965-1985. [1]
Schaaf's 2003 hallmark index gives RR to one maker:
“RR (Russ Rockbridge)”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 268 [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.