Navajo Nation Sterling Silver and Turquoise Ring [SOLD]

26067-ring.jpg

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Artist Unknown
  • Category: Jewelry Rings
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: silver, turquoise
  • Size:
    7-1/4” ring size;
    1-1/4” x 5/8” turquoise
  • Item # 26067
  • SOLD

This ring was recently purchased from a pawn shop in Gallup, New Mexico.  It was most likely pawned by a *Diné, perhaps the maker and owner, and never reclaimed from pawn, so the pawn shop put it out for sale.

It is an early 20th century ring, formed from ingot silver.  It has a shank that branches out from the band into four sections which then support the platform on which is set the beautiful blue- green stone with rich brown matrix.  The turquoise is long and narrow, slightly domed, beautifully polished and set in a silver bezel.  The turquoise is highlighted by silver dots on either side.  The branches that spared out and support the stone were the perfect solution to prevent the shank from overpowering the turquoise.  They provide a light and elegant support for the stone.


Condition: this Navajo Nation Sterling Silver and Turquoise Ring is in original condition

Provenance: from a pawn shop in Gallup, New Mexico

Recommended Reading: Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone by Lois Jacka

*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.

Alternate side view of this Turquoise Ring.

Artist Unknown
  • Category: Jewelry Rings
  • Origin: Diné of the Navajo Nation
  • Medium: silver, turquoise
  • Size:
    7-1/4” ring size;
    1-1/4” x 5/8” turquoise
  • Item # 26067
  • SOLD

26067-ring.jpg26067-large.jpg Click on image to view larger.