Navajo Silver Ring with Turquoise [SOLD]

Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gems and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil. The gem's name comes from the French expression pierre tourques, or “Turkish stone.” For the Southwest Indian, turquoise stands for water and for sky, for bountiful harvests, health and protection.

It is easy to see why the artist who made this ring spent so much time creating a proper frame for this spectacular stone. The stone is an oval cab of sky blue turquoise with deep gold accents. The artist encased it in a handmade bezel, and then set it in a shadowbox surrounded with individual pieces of silver resembling rays of light or perhaps petals of a flower. The ring dates from the mid 20th century during a time when studios and crafts guilds around the Southwest were producing innovative designs. The ring has a fine patina that can only be achieved by long and loving wear. It is unsigned.

Condition: The Navajo Silver Ring with Turquoise is in very good condition. The stone has no cracks or defects.

Provenance: The Southwest Indian Jewelry ring is from the collection of the daughter of the Balcomb Family who owned trading posts in New Mexico and Arizona.

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present by Lois Dubin