TOMMY SINGER NAVAJO STERLING
SILVER TURQUOISE CORAL TEEPEE RING SIGNED T(
Measurements: 1.25” tall and 9/16” wide
Weight: 7 grams
Size: 4.25
Metal: 925
sterling silver
Hallmark: T(-
early Tommy Singer hallmark
Please note: You can see the mark noted and pictured as
Tommy Singers’ hallmark on page 314 in the Native American and Southwestern
Silver Hallmarks book by Billie Hougart-2014 edition (pictured.)
PLEASE NOTE: The
photographs give the illusion the jewelry looks larger than it is; this is to show
you the detail you could not see without a magnifying glass. Please look at ALL
photographs posted…there is always one or two photos with ruler measurements in
every listing created to give you an accurate indication of size. Also, the photographs posted are shot from
the actual item (no stock photos.) The colors may vary just slightly due to the
light vs. shadow effect of the flash. The items weighed on the scale are in
grams.
Tommy Singer was the
inventor of the chip inlay technique. Not only is this ring a great
example of turquoise and coral chip inlay, but you can also see Tommy Singer
was a master silversmith as well! Chip inlay is a method where cavities in
jewelry are filled with a mixture of crushed stone, typically turquoise and
coral, and epoxy resin. The piece is then polished smoothly after the resin has
hardened.
This vintage ring is not
marked .925 or sterling but has been tested positive with no marks or cosmetic
damage to the piece. It is common for the sterling mark to be missing in
early Native American vintage pieces. Please read on about Mr. Singers wonderful life story…
Tommy Singer
was born in 1940 and sadly left this earth on May 31, 2014. He lived in
Winslow, Arizona where he resided with his wife Rose and their children and
grandchildren. He grew up in a small community of Dilcon on the Navajo
Reservation while learning the silversmith trade from his father Tsinnigine
Hathali, a Navajo Medicine Man when he was just 7 years old.
In the 1960’s, Mr. Singer
became famous for inventing the use of turquoise and coral chips in silverwork
devised from the lingering chips of turquoise and coral left on his workshop
floor. While using the “chip inlay” technique combined with his amazing
craftsmanship mixed with the abstract modern Native American style of design
Mr. Singer conveyed on his jewelry, he became a household name in the states
and abroad.
Chip inlay is a method where
cavities in jewelry are filled with a mixture of crushed stone, typically
turquoise and coral, and epoxy resin. The piece is then polished smoothly after
the resin has hardened.
Unfortunately, Mr. Singer’s
chip inlay technique was heavily copied in the southwest and even in imports
from Asia. In fact, this style of jewelry became so popular in the 1960’s and
1970’s that you would see it everywhere.
Frustrated, he stopped
creating chip inlaid jewelry and started focusing on the silver overlay method
(which he originally studied in the beginning of his silversmith career.) His
silver overlay jewelry exhibited traditional Navajo designs; some incorporating
gold in the overlay. He was also known for carving storyteller scenes with
tremendous detail and skill.
Tommy Singer was a famous
prolific successful artist and those who knew him said he was a friendly and
generous man. Today his work commands very high prices which continues to
gain in value. Collectors of his work hold onto his pieces with great respect
and love. I have been lucky to have listed and sold many of Tommy Singers’ jewelry,
mostly from his early years.
It is hard to find these classic vintage
chip inlay pieces which have survived with Mr.
Singer’s hallmark visible! As you can tell in this ring, it is fast wearing
away…. If only you knew how many of Mr. Singer’s pieces, I am 100% sure are a
Tommy Singer creation but missing his hallmark. The hallmark could have worn
away over the years of normal wear and tear. That’s what metals do-they wear
down, erode, rub out, get thin and the hallmark will eventually disappear. This
is your chance to own an original and rare Native American masterpiece from a
truly talented and gifted man!
Thanks for looking and have a great day!
INFO FOR BUYERS…not very
exciting to read, but just in case you need to know…
· If payment is not
received within 2 days, the transaction will be cancelled. If you need
more time, please contact me.
· Item will be shipped
within 1 day of receipt of cleared payment.
· I do my best to
give honest and accurate descriptions of every item I sell, but I am no
expert…just an enthusiast.
· Information as to
the origin or authenticity of items is searched.
· The most accurate
description is in the pictures, so please review them carefully.
· Most items are used
vintage items “SOLD AS SEEN” with no warranty or guarantee. Unless
otherwise noted, everything I sell is vintage, antique, used, secondhand, and
will have fair wear.
· All items are
packaged carefully to the extent required for each item.
· All items will ship
through USPS.
· Free shipping is
available on various listings. When free shipping is not an option, the buyer
is solely responsible for the total cost of shipping.
· Combined Shipping:
I am happy to combine shipping whenever it saves you money. Please let me know
if you plan to bid on multiple items, and I will calculate the combined
shipping in one invoice for you.
· Returns are only
accepted if the item is damaged or not as described. Please contact me
immediately if there is a problem receiving proper instruction for return.
PLEASE NOTE: You will need to obtain a return ship to address prior to the
return of any item.
Each
jewelry box comes equipped with a 3M Anti-Tarnish Paper Tab measuring 1x1”and
is good for up to 30 cubic inches of air space. The strips will protect silver,
nickel, copper, bronze, brass, gold, and pewter for up to 6 months depending on
the frequency and amount of exposure to air. One tab can last up to one year in
a sealed airtight environment. Safe to use, these paper tabs are non-toxic and
do not emit any chemical residues.