Antique Vintage Native Navajo Sterling Silver 925 Turquoise Ring S 4.25 3.3g
We have similar "Turquoise" and "Native American" items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Listing description by: Chris T. Markings: sterling on the inside of the band, tested by XRF-Spectrometer, and guaranteed.
Main Stone: cripple creek turquoise. Main Stone Measurements/Color: soft green with brown spiderweb matrix. Stone Treatment: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester. Sizable by your local jeweler: Yes.This antique vintage Native Navajo sterling silver ring is an exquisite piece that showcases the traditional craftsmanship of Navajo silversmiths from the 1930s. Handmade with care, this ring features a striking cabochon-cut turquoise stone sourced from the Cripple Creek mine.
The turquoise boasts an intense spiderweb matrix that is beautifully accented with a soft green hue mixed with rich brown webbing, creating an organic and visually captivating pattern that evokes the beauty of the natural world. The ring is sized at 4.25 and weighs 3.3 grams, making it both elegant and comfortable to wear. The top of the ring measures approximately 0.80 inches by 0.50 inches, and it is adorned with traditional Navajo stamp work on the shoulders, adding an authentic cultural touch to the design. The intricate stamp work highlights the expertise of the artist and enhances the overall aesthetic of the piece, complementing the unique qualities of the turquoise stone. Marked as sterling, the ring's silverwork has developed a natural patina over time, further enhancing its antique charm.
The use of sterling silver not only provides durability but also enhances the vibrancy of the turquoise stone, allowing the green and brown hues to stand out prominently. This ring serves as a fine representation of the Navajo silversmithing tradition, combining skillful metalwork with a natural gemstone to create a timeless design. Please note that the bottom of the turquoise stone has a visible crack and appears to have a small amount of turquoise missing around the area of the crack.Despite this, the ring remains a museum-quality piece, valued for its craftsmanship, historical significance, and the unique characteristics of the Cripple Creek turquoise. The presence of the crack does not detract from the beauty or wearability of the piece but rather adds to its character, showcasing its journey through time. This ring would make an excellent addition to any collection of Native American jewelry or as a special piece for someone who appreciates authentic, handcrafted artisan jewelry. Its combination of historical craftsmanship, striking turquoise stone, and traditional Navajo detailing makes it a treasure that reflects the cultural heritage and artistry of the Navajo people, suitable for collectors and those who value meaningful adornments.
The bottom of the stone does have a crack and looks to be missed a small amount of turquoise where that crack is. The price has been reduced to reflect this. This listing is for the item only. This beautiful piece was made by a very talented Native American silversmith. It features handcrafted silversmith work throughout. Antique Native American jewelry is very rare to find. This is due to these pieces being made for reservation and personal use before the tourist trade became popular.Very few pieces were made and even less survived to today. The Navajo Nation sits on 27,000 square miles within the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo have a rich history and culture and have become known for creating some of the finest sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, incorporating their own traditional motifs with silversmithing. The squash blossom necklace is perhaps one the most famous Navajo styles produced, along with turquoise inlay rings. Turquoise is an important stone in Navajo culture; symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and good health.
The first Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Sani, was taught around 1865 by a Mexican silversmith. Atsidi Sani in turn taught his four sons, who then started teaching other Navajo artisans.In the beginning, Navajo artisans created sterling silver jewelry for themselves and others in the Navajo Nation. Cripple Creek Turquoise is found in Colorado and has a range of colors from deep blue to a rich green with a warm golden-brown matrix.
The mine was originally a gold mine; turquoise was pulled out as a byproduct, and on rare occasion, Cripple Creek Turquoise may contain bits of natural gold ore.