Jon McCray “JM” IHMSS Mark and History
The “JM” monogram with “IHMSS” is the hallmark of Navajo artist Jon McCray, indicating “Indian Hand Made Sterling Silver” and confirming authentic Native American craftsmanship .
What the Mark Means
The circle mark containing the letters “JM” is Jon McCray’s personal monogram, often accompanied by the text “JOHN McCRAY IHMSS” .
IHMSS stands for Indian Hand Made Sterling Silver, a hallmark used by many Native American silversmiths to certify that the piece was handcrafted by a Native artisan and made from sterling silver .
This mark is typically stamped on the inside of jewelry such as earrings, pendants, and belt buckles .
Jon McCray’s Background
Jon McCray was born March 21, 1955, on the Canoncito Navajo Reservation in New Mexico . He grew up watching his father make jewelry, began his first pieces at age 11, and later studied silkscreen design in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1978, he returned to silversmithing, creating three‑dimensional spiritual and Southwestern designs inspired by ancient rock art . His work often features kachina figures, animals, feathers, and Navajo geometric patterns .
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Collecting and Authentication
For collectors, the JM monogram + IHMSS combination is a key authentication point for McCray’s work. It confirms both the artisan and the hand‑made sterling silver standard. Pieces are often dated to the 1980s–1990s, with some earlier examples .
When verifying, look for:
The circle “JM” monogram
The IHMSS text
Consistent craftsmanship and design style with McCray’s known works .
In short: The “JM” IHMSS mark is Jon McCray’s signature, certifying authentic Navajo hand‑made sterling silver jewelry, and is central to identifying his work in the collector market.