Single Coral Cab Silver Navajo Ring

The Diné Legacy: A Journey Through the Evolution of Coral in Navajo Jewelry

The Masterpiece

This vintage ring, a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Diné artisans of the Navajo Nation, dates back to the mid-twentieth century. The silver, beautifully tarnished over time, forms the base of the ring. At its heart lies an oval, domed piece of coral, securely held by a silver bezel. A twisted silver wire encircles the bezel, adding to the ring's intricate design. Silver drops adorn the top and bottom of the face, and the band splits into three wires at the top, enhancing its unique charm.

The Chronicle of Coral in Native American Jewelry

The incorporation of coral into Native American jewelry is a captivating tale. Early Spanish traders, who sourced it from Mediterranean fishermen off Spain's coast, introduced coral to the Navajo and Pueblo jewelers. The deep color of the coral intrigued the silversmiths, leading them to integrate it into their jewelry. This marked the beginning of a new era in the mid-twentieth century, as talented native artists began to experiment with coral, creating innovative styles that were previously unseen.

The Rarity of Coral Today

In the present day, high-quality coral has become extremely rare. Overharvesting, coupled with a surge in demand from Chinese consumers, has led to a scarcity of this popular jewelry element. Despite technically not being a stone, but rather the skeletal remains of a sea animal that thrives in warm waters, coral remains one of the most sought-after components of Southwestern jewelry. Its rarity only adds to its allure, making each piece of coral jewelry a precious keepsake.

Real Simple: How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home (This will take you to another website)

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Single Coral Cab Silver Navajo Ring is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry by Diana Pardue with the Heard Museum

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Diné - Navajo Nation, Jewelry Rings