Thomas Jim — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
Thomas Jim's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo/Diné · 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 (2003, p. 193) gives him a full biography. [2]
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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).
- 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.
- 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.
From the Library: Bassman, The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry (1997)
1997 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 1997, not today.
Bassman (1997) pictured barrettes by him:
“Repoussé and stampwork with hawk's tails on the sides made by Thomas Jim.”
— Bassman (1997), p. 33 [1]
Bassman (1997, p. 34) also pictured two pairs of stamped-petal cuff links by Thomas Jim. [1]
Bassman (1997, p. 71) pictured a stamped cornflower necklace and matching earrings by Thomas Jim; the necklace won the Squash Blossom of Colorado Award at the Southwestern Association of Indian Affairs 1989 Annual Indian Market. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 193) gave Thomas Jim a full entry: Navajo, born in 1955 at Jeddito, a grandson of Bedoni and brother of Wilson Jim, taught by his uncle John Bedone, stamping TJ and T. Jim, associated with John Yellowhorse of Flagstaff and Al Zuni of Rocking Horse Ranch, with Best of Jewelry at the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup and his work in the 2002 exhibition Jewels of the Southwest. [2]
Thomas Jim told Schaaf (2003):
“The challenge is to work around the stone.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 193 [2]
Schaaf (2003) quoted the trader Gene Waddell:
“He has carried a reputation for quality of design and detail in his stunning jewelry boxes.”
— Schaaf (2003), p. 193 [2]
Field Notes by Mateo James
This page once said Schaaf lists Thomas Jim only in its index. Schaaf's 2003 register gives him a full biography on page 193, with his stamps, his teacher and his awards, and the line above now says so.
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.