Diné Silver and Turquoise Gemstone Ring with Cloud Matrix [SOLD]

This turquoise ring with cloud matrix is for the collector who desires traditional Diné silver jewelry with a flair for the modern touch.  The treatment of the silver platform by the silversmith elevates this above the norm.  The band of the ring is composed of two silver ropes attached at the bottom and spread apart at the top.  On this band rests a gorgeous free-flowing silver platform with edges rolled upward and irregular in outline.  This silver platform leads to a very modern and contemporary appeal.  Attached to the silver platform is a beautiful blue oval and domed turquoise gemstone with an overall cloud of matrix.  

The free-form silver platform on which the turquoise gemstone rests could be a clue to the identity of the silversmith, however, we are not that familiar with the works of the many Diné silversmiths that exist today.  The ring is stamped SS and there are five silversmiths listed for using SS as a hallmark. There is also another stamp that is like the letter C with a thicker top than the bottom.   We have eliminated the number of possible makers down to two—Sherry Sandoval, Diné, reportedly working from pre 1989 to the present, and Stella Smiley, also Diné and reportedly working from pre 1989.  We do not know which one, if either, was the maker of this ring.

NOTE:  thanks to Mark Bahti for the following information: that hallmark was the shopmark for Canyon SIlver, run out of Sanders, AZ by Bruce Burnham back in the 70s. At one time he had upwards of 20 smiths working for him

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Diné Silver and Turquoise Gemstone Ring with Cloud Matrix is from the collection of a resident of Texas

Recommended Reading: Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry by Diana Pardue

Relative Links: Ring, Diné of the Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry