Diné Ring with Rectangular Turquoise Stone Outlined in Silver Rope [SOLD]

This mid-century silver ring features a nicely cut rectangular cabochon of sky blue turquoise set in a smooth bezel. The stone is outlined with a band of twisted wire. The face of the ring is placed upon a three-prong shank. The ring is unsigned.

During the second half of the 20th century, jewelry making became a major economic activity for many Diné families. Starting with the creation of the Navajo Crafts Guild in 1941 and continuing to today in reservation high schools and colleges, instruction in silversmithing and lapidary skills has helped contribute to the economic well-being of many families. Today, almost every extended family has someone involved in some sort of jewelry making.

Note: when we say Diné, as opposed to Navaho or Navajo, we are referring to the people and not the government.  Since 1969, their government refers to itself as the Navajo Nation.

Condition: very good condition. The stone is intact.

Provenance: The Diné Ring with Rectangular Turquoise Stone Outlined in Silver Rope is from a Colorado Southwest Indian Jewelry collection.

Recommended Reading:

- Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers by Margery Bedinger

- Southwest Silver Jewelry by Paula Baxter

Relative Links: Navajo-Diné, rings, Southwest Indian Jewelry