Mary Tom

MARY TOM

(Navajo   b. 1949 – present)

Mary Tom is an award-winning silversmith most well-known for her gold overly on silver jewelry, impeccable execution and the finest stones in both traditional and contemporary designs. 

Mary Tom, Navajo, was born in Winslow, Arizona to the Water’s Edge Clan for the Black-Streaked Wood Clan. She resides and maintains her work studio on her homeland in Chimney Butte, Arizona which is located on the Navajo reservation.    In 1971 Mary Begay and Jack Tom were married. Mary started making jewelry by fabricating the beads that display Jack’s pendants.  She and Jack worked together for many years, and she also creates her own unique silverwork.  The pieces they created together are often signed by only one of them, typically Jack, as two signatures meant they would have needed two booths at any shows they entered. Their metal work often has a sandblasted finish that compliments the mirror finish of the silver overlay.

She began an apprenticeship with jewelry in the early 1980's. She began with simple elements of silver and beads. Throughout the last 30 years, her work has evolved tremendously. She was able to explore creating innovative jewelry. It is during this time that Mary allowed herself to evolve from the Navajo traditional style of her earliest works, even though she has a deep appreciation and respect for her ancient Navajo heritage and the symbols of this rich culture. Much of the new work links the rich heritage and the 21st Century.

She began to use a number of materials ranging from silver, gold and semiprecious stones. Mary uses only the finest natural stones in her work.  She loves the combination of coral and turquoise and frequently uses spiney oyster. Always looking for new techniques to learn such as tufa casting, texture rolling (which she learned from Zuni silversmith Martin Panteah), and sand-blasting to express the creative ideas in multiple ways. The sandblasting provides an alternative to the normal mirror-finish polish most silversmiths give to the back of the work. The changes are part of the process that allows her work to continue to evolve and enchant. 

 Further, her attention to detail and artistry is magnificent. Today, she makes a wide array of unique jewelry. Making the silver beaded work from scratch takes intense concentration and dedication as it is really brutal on her hands.

Mary’s major artistic influence is Myron Panteah. Mary’s Style is so distinct, classic and elegant.  Her beads are very difficult to make and so unusual. Mary has four children, and her daughter Angie is now working side by side with her. Mary is starting to travel and be with her five grandchildren. Mary is a joyful spirit always happy and laughing.  Her work is impeccable and is made with such care.

Formerly married to Jack Tom with whom she collaborated on their beautifully executed jewelry, Jack and Mary lived on the western edge of the Navajo reservation and also collaborated on cheering on their children in athletic and academic achievements. Mary was responsible for the bead making, Jack for the other components.

Jack and Mary are no longer married, but each continues to create wonderful pieces on his and her own.