Hello! I'm hoping that someone can help me with the identity of a silversmith jeweller or family whose initials appear on a bracelet and squash blossom necklace I have from two different sources (the US and London, England). I suspect the artist is Zuni as both the bracelet and necklace feature petitpoint turquoise technique, and I'd judge the approximate date of both pieces to be 70s to early 80s. The initials of the artist are V M B (letters exactly as I've typed them here), roughly stamped with no sterling marks or any accompanying imagery. I've managed to find two other pieces on the web which are clearly by either this artisan or his/her workshop, but have yet to be able to pin the exact identity down.

Any light that could be shed on this would be gratefully received.

These pieces may have been made by Navajo artist Victor Moses Begay, OR by Zuni husband and wife, Valentino and Matilda Banteah. Hope this is of help to you.

Jewelry Hallmarks

This link has a lot of Native American Hallmarks.

Mine is a bear paw inside 3 mountains

Can anyone help me to get in touch with Marvin or Val Larkie? I have a squash blossom necklace made by them. It has 137 needle point turquoise stones and all are intact and undamaged

VICTOR MOSES BEGAY is known for his does petit point jewelry. Conchos, bracelets, rings with that motif. It's more than likely him.

This is something I found regarding the initials V.M.B. The initials

THE WATCH BAND IS HANDMADE NATIVE AMERICAN ZUNI PETIT, TEARDROP POINT TURQUOISE AND CORAL SET IN STERLING SILVER.

IT IS MADE WITH BEAUTIFUL DEEP BLUE TURQUOISE AND DEEP RED CORAL. ALL STONES USED ARE OF A VERY GOOD QUALITY STONE.

THIS BAND WAS CREATED IN 1975 or 1976. It is stamped V.M.B. which stands for Valentino & Matilda Banteah.

The initials are often confused with those of Victor Moses Begay

victor moses begay is VMB, Valentino and Matilda Banteah is V.M.B.

That is correct, Victor Moses Begay