Diné Ring with Green Turquoise and Twisted Wire Frame [SOLD]

This mid-century ring was made in what is the traditional Diné style. Diné jewelers believe that silver should be used as a frame to highlight the beauty of turquoise gemstones. Following in distinctive Diné fashion, this ring features a beautiful green turquoise cabochon that is set in a simple, yet elegant frame of twisted wire that is set on a split shank with three small silver drops on either side of the center gemstone. 

When the Santa Fe Railroad began bringing Southwest adventurers to Indian Country at the beginning of the twentieth century, Native American artisans quickly realized they could benefit from the tourist trade. Visitors wanted small items to carry back home with them. Jewelry was the most popular souvenir preferred by travelers. It was easy to pack and uniquely Native American. 

Many unknown, but quite talented, Diné and Pueblo artists benefited economically from making items such as this ring to sell to visitors.  This ring is unsigned and dates from the mid-twentieth century.

Condition: the ring is in excellent condition 

Provenance: this Diné Ring with Green Turquoise and Twisted Wire Frame is from the collection of a resident of Colorado.

Recommended Reading: Inventing the Southwest: The Fred Harvey Company and Native American Art by Kathleen Howard and Diana Pardue

Relative Links: Navajo, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Ring