James Little Lapis and Turquoise Triangle Inlay Sterling Silver [SOLD]

Intricately shaped sections of high-grade lapis and turquoise are inlaid in a triangular form and set on a geometric silver band. The focal point of the ring features pieces of turquoise and lapis that were cut and shaped, then carefully set within silver channels. The center is set on an elegant band of silver that has a stepped terrace design. Diné master silversmith James Little created an elegant small work of art that reflects both his traditional upbringing and modern creative innovation. The stepped terrace design is a reminder of the rug designs he watched his mother weave as a child. 

James Little’s influences range from his childhood, where he lived in a remote area of the Navajo reservation from herding sheep to being a student of Kenneth Begay at the Navajo Community College where he was taught techniques of modern silversmithing. He is the recipient of multiple awards and prizes. 

The ring comes from a collection where the owner recorded his transactions, noting the date of purchase for all of his collection. This ring was purchased directly from James Little in 1991. The ring has James Little’s hallmark of four parallel lines engraved on the inside.

Condition: excellent condition.

Provenance: this James Little Lapis and Turquoise Triangle Inlay Sterling Silver Ring is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin, an Albuquerque couple who were avid collectors of Native American arts and crafts. 

Recommended Reading: Southwestern Indian Jewelry: Crafting New Traditions by Dexter Cirillo

Relative Links: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Kenneth Begay, James Little, Diné Jeweler