Vintage Fred Harvey Style Navajo Silver Ring with Two Oval Turquoise Stones [SOLD]

When the *Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad made its way to the American Southwest in the late 19th Century, it transformed the lives of everyone who lived there, none more than the Native American tribes who had called the area home for millenia. Along with new products and materials, the train also brought tourists, eager to purchase souvenirs to take home with them.

Fred Harvey was an entrepreneur who capitalized on the whims and desires of the traveling adventurers. He encouraged the local artists to create objects that would appeal to the tastes of the people visiting, creating a new economic enterprise for Native Americans in the Southwest.

Fred Harvey designs have a Victorian flair, as well as symbols that Harvey believed would remind people of the local traditions.

This ring features two oval, clear blue turquoise cabochons accented with silver drops. Framing the stones are lacy crescent shaped appliques. The shank is stamped with lightning motifs. It is an extremely well executed piece, the craftsmanship is precise and the beautiful stones are set in elegant straight edged bezels.

Condition: The Vintage Fred Harvey Style Navajo Silver Ring with Two Oval Turquoise Stones is in excellent condition.

Provenance: From an extensive SOUTHWEST INDIAN JEWELRY collection in Colorado

Recommended Reading:

- White Metal Universe: Jewelry from the Fred Harvey Collection by Cynthia Davies

- Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico by Jonathan Batkin

*AT&SF: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (reporting mark ATSF), often abbreviated as Santa Fe or AT&SF, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. Chartered in February 1859, the railroad reached the Kansas-Colorado border in 1873 and Pueblo, Colorado, in 1876. To create a demand for its services, the railroad set up real estate offices and sold farm land from the land grants that it was awarded by Congress. Despite the name, its main line never served Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the terrain was too difficult; the town ultimately was reached by a branch line from Lamy.

Relative Links: Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, Fred Harvey, SOUTHWEST INDIAN JEWELRY