We have similar Turquoise and Native American items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Turquoise" or "Native" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing description by: Cameron J.
The Piece
Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Main stone: Turquoise
Main stone measurements/color:
Length: 11.95 mm
Width: 11.52 mm
Color: opaque blue hue with brown matrix
Accent stone: --
Accent stone measurements/color: --
Stone treatment: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone cuts: Carved and polished cabochon
Ring face measurements:
Length: 0.9"
Width: 0.86"
Notable features:
handmade in the 1960s by a talented Navajo silversmith
composed of .900 sterling silver, also known as coin silver
features expertly carved and polished turquoise stone placed in a bezel setting
a rope motif surrounds the stone
the ring face is shaped to resemble a floral design
complete with split shoulders that form into a smooth, polished band for secure wear
Damage: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish on the sterling silver gives the piece an antique quality we believe is rather lovely, but tarnish can be removed with a buffing, if desired. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Navajo Nation sits on 27,000 square miles within the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo have a rich history and culture and have become known for creating some of the finest sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, incorporating their own traditional motifs with silversmithing. The squash blossom necklace is perhaps one the most famous Navajo styles produced, along with turquoise inlay rings. Turquoise is an important stone in Navajo culture; symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and good health.
The first Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Sani, was taught around 1865 by a Mexican silversmith. Atsidi Sani in turn taught his four sons, who then started teaching other Navajo artisans. In the beginning, Navajo artisans created sterling silver jewelry for themselves and others in the Navajo Nation. After 1900, with the tourist trade started booming in the Southwest, and Navajo artisans started commercially producing silver and turquoise jewelry and selling it through the various trading posts.
Turquoise is found all over the world and has been a popular semi-precious stone used in jewelry and art for thousands of years by many different cultures; from prehistoric times to the present. Turquoise comes in many beautiful color variations; from the popular bright solid sky-blue hues to dark blue hues with dark spiderwebbing throughout, as well as aqua, teal, and many green varieties, and even some rare white with dark spiderwebbing.
Blue Bird Turquoise, from Nevada, is highly coveted for its gorgeous medium to dark aqua blue hues with an internal quartz matrix that varies in color from white, greenish yellow, or black. This turquoise was only mined for a brief amount of time, so it is incredibly difficult to find.
Domestic US: all items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
USPS first class
USPS priority mail
USPS priority express
International: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form. Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
Several forms of payment accepted.
The Navajo Nation sits on 27,000 square miles within the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo have a rich history and culture and have become known for creating some of the finest sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, incorporating their own traditional motifs with silversmithing. The squash blossom necklace is perhaps one the most famous Navajo styles produced, along with turquoise inlay rings. Turquoise is an important stone in Navajo culture; symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and good health. The first Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Sani, was taught around 1865 by a Mexican silversmith. Atsidi Sani in turn taught his four sons, who then started teaching other Navajo artisans. In the beginning, Navajo artisans created sterling silver jewelry for themselves and others in t
The Navajo Nation sits on 27,000 square miles within the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo have a rich history and culture and have become known for creating some of the finest sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, incorporating their own traditional motifs with silversmithing. The squash blossom necklace is perhaps one the most famous Navajo styles produced, along with turquoise inlay rings. Turquoise is an important stone in Navajo culture; symbolizing happiness, good fortune, and good health. The first Navajo silversmith, Atsidi Sani, was taught around 1865 by a Mexican silversmith. Atsidi Sani in turn taught his four sons, who then started teaching other Navajo artisans. In the beginning, Navajo artisans created sterling silver jewelry for themselves and others in t
