Silver Band with Turquoise and Coral Stones [SOLD]

C3995L-ring.jpg

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Artist Unknown
  • Category: Jewelry Rings
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, turquoise, coral
  • Size: Width 3/16” - Ring Size: 3-¾
  • Item # C3995L
  • SOLD

Zuni Pueblo artisans have been working with small pieces of stone to create works of art since prehistoric times. Archeological digs at nearby Chaco Canyon have uncovered works of art made from turquoise. Over the years, archaeologists have found more than 200,000 turquoise pieces at various sites in the Chaco Canyon area. Archeologists theorize that Chaco Canyon was a distribution center for turquoise. Roads led out of Chaco Canyon heading north to Mesa Verde and south towards Mexico. It is believed traders traveled these ancient highways bringing turquoise to the valley of Mexico, California and beyond. In late 19th Century, the Zuni learned how to work silver from their Navajo neighbors. It is no surprise the Zuni combined their skill in lapidary work with silver.  

In terms of skill, the ability to do channel inlay is one of the most difficult. It is necessary to cut the stones exactly to fit within the silver channels. In a ring, the stones not only need to be cut to fit into the channels, they need to be cut to fit the rounded shape of the ring.

This small 3-¾ size ring features a row of finely shaped turquoise positioned between two rows of coral. The stones are set firmly within a sterling silver band. Although the piece is unsigned, it is obvious from the craftsmanship that the artist was very skilled.


Condition:  excellent condition, with no missing or cracked stones

Provenance: From a collector in Colorado

Recommended Reading: Zuni: A Village of Silversmiths by James Ostler

Artist Unknown
  • Category: Jewelry Rings
  • Origin: Zuni Pueblo, SHE-WE-NA
  • Medium: Sterling Silver, turquoise, coral
  • Size: Width 3/16” - Ring Size: 3-¾
  • Item # C3995L
  • SOLD

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