Navajo Heavy Silver Band with Three Turquoise Cabs

This three-stone Navajo ring has a little of everything—nice stones, carefully rendered stampwork, precise incising and traditional style silverwork.  Three really fine blue green stones are set on a wide band. Symmetrically placed between the stones are small silver drops. Delicate stampwork adorns the edges. There are carved lightning bolts on the sides of the band.

It is difficult to date the ring, as this style has been popular since the beginning of the 20th Century. Given the condition and the stones, it is most probable the ring dates from the mid 20th Century. The initials LLW are etched on the inside. This could be the mark of the Diné artist, or the initials of a previous owner.

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: this Navajo Heavy Silver Band with Three Turquoise Cabs is in good condition.

Provenance: from a private Colorado collection

Recommended Reading: Southwest Silver Jewelry by Paula Baxter

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