MARY S. LEW
- Maker
- Mary S. Lew attributed, not confirmed
- Struck in
- Navajo Nation, Southwestern United States attributed, not confirmed
- Recorded on
- 1 piece
This mark is the signature stamp of Navajo silversmith Mary S. Lew. Stamped in clean, unserifed capital letters as "MARY S. LEW", it is frequently accompanied by a small stamped arrow pictogram alongside standard "STERLING" purity marks.
Work bearing this stamp is rooted in traditional Navajo lapidary and silversmithing techniques, most notably elaborate turquoise cluster work. Common forms include multi-stone cluster cuffs, rings, and pendants featuring matched turquoise cabochons set in fine serrated bezels and accented with hand-wrought silver drops (raindrops) and twisted wire rope borders.
When inspecting a piece, look for the full first name, middle initial, and surname struck in a straight line. The inclusion of the arrow symbol serves as a reliable secondary identifier, distinguishing Mary S. Lew's cluster jewelry from Southwestern pieces produced by other artisans sharing the Lew surname.
Available now with this mark
What this entry is based on
- one piece carrying this mark, handled and photographed by this shop Written with the piece in hand. No published hallmark reference covers most of these marks.
Nothing outside this shop has been checked for this mark yet. What is above comes from the pieces themselves and from what was written while they were in hand.
Know something we don't about this mark? Tell us — corrections from collectors are how a reference like this gets better.