Thomas Jim — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark
Thomas Jim's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Thomas Jim is a Navajo silversmith born in 1955. He has been active since the 1970s and works in a traditional heavy style — file- and stamp-work, repousse, silver, and gold — and has received multiple awards for his work. He is the brother of Wilson Jim (born 1949), who is also a Navajo silversmith known for retro-style stone sets and concho belts.
The Work
Jim's style is characterized by heavy construction and the use of traditional hand techniques: file work, stamp work, and repousse. He works in both silver and gold. This places him squarely in the tradition of robust, labor-intensive Navajo silversmithing associated with the classic period aesthetic. His multiple award wins confirm sustained competition and exhibition presence.
The Family
Thomas Jim and Wilson Jim are brothers. Wilson Jim (born 1949) has been active since the 1960s and is associated with the Rocking Horse Ranch stamp. Thomas Jim's marks differ from Wilson's, confirming they are distinct working smiths despite the close relationship.
The mark
Marks: T JIM; T. Jim (script) (Hougart 5e, p. 155).
What is known
Hougart provides the core facts: birth year 1955, active since 1970s, traditional heavy construction, file- and stamp-work, repousse, silver and gold, brother of Wilson Jim, multiple award winner, marks T JIM and T. Jim in script. Schaaf 1200 Bios lists Thomas Jim in the index (pages 188–191 of that volume) but the source scan output there is navigational page-frame data only, not biographical text; no additional facts are recoverable from it. No other corpus book contains a Thomas Jim entry.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed., p. 155 (printed): "Thomas Jim (1955–; Navajo). Active since 1970s. Traditional; heavy construction; file- and stamp-work; repousse; silver, gold. Brother of Wilson Jim. Multiple award winner. Marks: T JIM; T. Jim (script)"
- Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies. Index listing confirmed (pp. 188–191); no biographical text recoverable from source scan.