JSW593 Sterling Bear
Tufa cast sterling silver stylized bear with a coral cabochon by Navajo silversmith Jack Tom. The 1 1/2” x 1” bear with a 1/2” bale has a total length of 1 1/2”. Hallmark: JT
Tufa casting is a technique of pouring molten silver into a tufa stone mold and letting it harden into a given form. The mold is only used once; therefore each item is an original piece.
About the artist
Jack Tom
JACK TOM
(Navajo b. 1948)
Jack Tom is an award-winning silversmith most well-known for his gold overlay on silver jewelry, impeccable execution and the finest stones in both traditional and contemporary designs.
Jack Tom was born of the Salt Clan and for the Bitter Water Clan in 1948 at Smoke Signal in Keams Canyon, Arizona on the Navajo reservation. He began his jewelry career in 1971 and continues to produce beautiful work with his distinctive blend of 14k gold and silver or silver with stones. It was also the year Mary Begay and Jack Tom were married. Mary started making jewelry by fabricating the beads that display Jack’s pendants. Mary assisted in the creation process as well which aided in completing a joint design style linking their rich heritage and the 21st Century.
Until recently, he and his wife Mary made some of the most striking contemporary necklaces and earrings to be found today. They are no longer married, but each continues to create wonderful pieces on his and her own.
Jack has a deep appreciation and respect for his ancient Navajo heritage and the symbols of his rich culture. Jack composes his craft by incorporating ancient symbols with contemporary images for a distinct look to his pieces.
His great-grandmother was Hopi so he uses Hopi patterns as well as the traditional Navajo designs. He also incorporates Navajo rug patterns and Anasazi patterns in his work. He believes the “Old Ones” left their designs for others (him) to use.
Jack is self-taught silversmith. He began his artist career by working for a small jewelry shop in Holbrook, Arizona. He worked as a buffer and did small tasks for other silversmiths. After working as a welder and in other construction related jobs, in 1985 he decided to take his creative ideas and become his own artist. He began with traditional Navajo designs. Over the years, his jewelry has evolved into great detail, high quality, and unique designs that incorporate 14 kt gold, sterling silver, turquoise, corals, and opals.
In 1979, while working on the railroad, Jack was struck by lightning. He returned home to his father, a Medicine Man, who performed a Shooting Way ceremony. This restored Jack’s health and harmony. He uses a lot of lightning patterns in his jewelry.
Today, Jack is always looking for new techniques to learn such as tufa casting, texture rolling (which he learned from Zuni silversmith Martin Panteah) and sandcasting to express his creative ideas in multiple ways. The sandcasting provides an alternative to the normal mirror-finish polish most silversmiths give to the back of their work. The changes are part of the process that allows his work to continue to evolve and enchant.
