Silver and Turquoise Man’s Ring [R]

The Navajo began making finger rings as early as the 1860s, shortly after they began working in silver. At first, rings were simple silver bands. Eventually, about 1880, they began to set simple stones in the silver bands and to apply stamped designs.

This ring is unique in that there was not a separate bezel soldered to the ring as a mount for the turquoise; rather, the turquoise cabochon is set into the ring itself. The turquoise was left in its natural state rather than having its surface buffed to a smooth finish. Each side of the ring has a raised design resembling a concho (shell). The softness of the design as a result of long wear indicates that the ring is at least fifty to sixty years old. It is in excellent condition and possesses a marvelous patina.