Navajo Ring with Two Dark Turquoise Cabochons [SOLD]

Many different styles of Native American jewelry were developed during the mid-20th Century. As different markets appeared, jewelers had opportunities to innovate their techniques and designs. Fred Harvey gift shops featured what would appeal to the tourists traveling along the railroad and Route 66. Fred Harvey “style” was recognizable by the distinctive stamp work on the silver. Other studios, such as the White Hogan in Scottsdale, Arizona, or the Navajo Crafts Guild in Fort Wingate, New Mexico, had their own unique styles.

The sleek modern-looking style of this jewelry ring is suggestive of  the influence of Frank Patania’s Thunderbird Studio in Santa Fe. The unknown artist set two beautiful dark turquoise stones in a unique setting consisting of oblong silver drops and varying sizes of silver balls. The turquoise has a golden-brown matrix with specks of light blue amid the dark blue.

The tuquoise and silver ring shows evidence of longtime wear, the patina is beautiful and wear has given the ring a satiny finish. It is a beautiful example of a 1940s piece that was made with high quality craftsmanship and  materials.

Condition: The Navajo Ring with Two Dark Turquoise Cabochons is in good condition. The stones are lovingly worn, but still intact.

Provenance:  The ring is from the collection of a daughter of the Balcomb Family who owned art galleries in New Mexico and Arizona.

Recommended Reading: Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair

Relative Links: Native American jewelry, Fred Harvey, jewelry ring, Navajo