http://forum.perrynulltrading.com/discussion/51/identifying-your-navajo-hopi-zuni-jewelry-plus-maker/p1

I looked up a a pretty coprehensive list of Native American silversmiths, and found a Bill Emerson, who is a Navajo smith.

I also read in the above article, which gives some points on how to tell the difference between the 3, that while Navajo silversmiths sign their names or initials to a piece, the Hopi use symbols.

Overlay means 2 pieces are sweated (soldered) together and what you perceive as incised is actually a sawed out part of the top layer of silver which creates a design.

OOps, my bad--that link was from emerald -- thanks, to you!!

My Emerson bracelet has a glossy finish, though, not a satin finish.

The liink says a gloss finish is characteristic of Hopi work.  Or perhaps this Emerson piece is another example of Navajo adaptability.

Should have said most Navajo work gives a glossy finish - not a brushed finish.

The Emerson whom I was referring to is Navajo and his name is Emerson Bill. His wife or perhaps former wife is Nora and signed just Nora . Emerson Bill stamps his work Emerson. I have owned several pieces by both and Emerson  is noted for using  heavy gauge silver which when sweated together make for a super heavy bracelet.. A friend picked up several braclets by him at a pawn shop in Gallup. It is quite possible that he supplied that pawn shop with his work since they were very new with no scratches or signs of any wear.

I'd still like to see a photo of the mark to see if it matches the Emerson I referred to who is Hopi, or at least eliminate the possibility, but OP hasn't responded to the request or returned for awhile. I'm not following this thread with email notices, but I have returned to it a few times just in case. Will look again in a couple of days before calling it quits.

If the article you read above was in the link furnished by emerald40, it says "usually" which does not mean "always". The article even shows an example of a Hopi mark which contains both a symbol and the signature of the artist.

You wil find symbols which are sometimes associated with clan affiliations, i.e., the Hopi mark in the article belongs to Joe Josytewa of the snow clan. His symbol kinda resembles a snowflake. Bear clan members may use some type of bear symbol. Water claim members may use clouds or other water symbols. Initials and names written out like the example in the article are also found on Hopi pieces.

I think the link is excellent. Thanks emerald40, for sharing it.

You are very welcome.  And thank you for your explanation.  I was the one who posted the link and asked the question.

I did not want to give incorrect info thinking that no Hopi artisans signed their names to their jewelry.

I am OP and first of all, half the time when I open this board there is no Reply option, a glitch.

Second I thought the matter was settled, it is Navajo because it has a signature Emerson, NOT a halmark.

And what's not to like??

Some posters on these boards read all sorts of negative motives and agendas  into other people's posts, for no reason I can fathom.

Some people post a question,  get an answer and do not have time to keep returning to the thread after that.   Thank you for all your info and interest, iot is not unappreciated.