Mike Bird Heart Shaped Silver and Fossilized Walrus Ivory Setting

The focal point of this magnificent ring by Mike Bird is a large, hand-cut, elongated heart. The cream coloration combined with a subtle, vertical linear grain pattern strongly suggests it is crafted from a natural organic material, such as fossilized walrus ivory or mammoth ivory.

The stone is secured in a smooth bezel and framed beautifully by a tight strand of twisted silver wire. Surrounding the twisted wire border is a series of graduating silver raindrops (or beads) that follow the taper of the heart down to a point. At the very bottom tip of the ring, there is a distinct, custom-stamped fluted silver raindrop (or small concho/starburst design) that anchors the elongated shape.

The stamped hallmark is the signature used by Mike Bird-Romero. His hallmark design is two stylized birds facing away from one another (or a double-headed bird), which reflects his Pueblo heritage and his name. 

Mike Bird-Romero (b. 1946) of Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo) is highly regarded as a master jeweler known for blending traditional historic Pueblo and Navajo silver — working techniques with bold, sculptural contemporary forms. He historically cuts his own stones and handcrafts the elements — often making his own custom stamps and dies-which is beautifully evident in the clean symmetry and custom stamped dot at the base of this piece.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Mike Bird Heart Shaped Silver and Fossilized Walrus Ivory Setting is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: FINE INDIAN JEWELRY OF THE SOUTHWEST: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection by Shelby Tisdale, Ph.D.

TAGS: Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo), Southwest Indian Jewelry, Mike Bird