Black Jet and Sky-Blue Turquoise Zuni Pueblo Channel Inlay Ring [R]

This three-dimensional Black Jet and Sky-Blue Turquoise Zuni Pueblo Channel Inlay Ring is breathtaking. An unknown lapidary artist precisely cut and shaped six pieces of light blue turquoise and set them within sterling silver channels. Around the diamond-shaped center are four pieces of black jet that make a stunning contrast against the blue stone. This is framed in a smooth, polished bezel which is surrounded by a single twisted wire element. The face of the ring rests on a solid sterling silver shank. The ring is sturdy, with the classic elegance that is often found in well-crafted Zuni jewelry. The ring is unsigned and dates from the mid- to late-20th Century.

The two small spots in one of the inlay diamond turquoise were areas of the turquoise that were void. The artist filled each of them with small amounts of sterling silver. That is a standard practice of pueblo jewelers as a means of protecting the turquoise.

Condition: The Jet and Turquoise Zuni Pueblo Channel Inlay Ring is in excellent condition.  

Provenance: from an extensive Southwest Indian Jewelry collection in Colorado

Recommended Reading:

- Jewelry by Southwest American Indians: Evolving Designs by Nancy Schiffer

- North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to Present by Margaret Dubin

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Rings, Zuni

Real Simple: How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home  (This will take you to another website)