Navajo Silver and Coral Shadowbox Ring [SOLD]

An oblong piece of fine red coral rests in a shadowbox frame in this late twentieth century ring. Diné artists Eugene Jackson and his wife Martha crafted an elegant silver base and hand stamped petal-like designs around the shadowbox. The artists took a traditional Navajo design and gave it a classic modern look.   

The story of Eugene and Martha Jackson is one that illustrates the importance of jewelry making to the people of the Navajo Nation. Eugene Jackson was born in 1932 in Jeddito, Arizona. After high school, he served in the US Army during the Korean War. He learned to make jewelry from Kenneth Begay at Navajo Community College and worked making jewelry to put his wife Martha and their five children through school. Martha Jackson (1933-2019) earned a master’s degree at the University of Arizona and taught linguistics and literature at Diné College. She enjoyed assisting her husband in making jewelry. Eugene taught his children the art of jewelry making. His son Dan Jackson is an award-winning silversmith. 

The ring is part of the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin. Their records indicate that they purchased the ring directly from the artists. It does not indicate the date. It is stamped with Eugene and Martha’s hallmark, JACKSON.

Condition: the ring is in excellent condition, with evidence of wear.

Provenance: this Navajo Silver and Coral Shadowbox Ring is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin

Recommended Reading: The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry by Theda Bassman

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Diné of the Navajo Nation, Eugene and Martha Jackson

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