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⭐ Vintage Zuni Handmade Sterling Silver Massive Turquoise Snake Ring Size 10.5 ⭐

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⭐ DESCRIPTION

There are rings… and then there are pieces that stop you mid-scroll and demand your full attention.

✨ This is absolutely one of those pieces. ✨

A massive, bold, and unmistakably powerful vintage Zuni handmade sterling silver ring — featuring a large, hand-carved turquoise snake wrapped in an applied silver serpent, executed in a striking, sculptural form that feels almost alive on the hand.

💎 This is not subtle jewelry — this is presence, power, and artistry combined into one unforgettable piece.

What sets this example apart instantly is the scale, movement, and lifelike execution. The turquoise has been carved into a flowing, dimensional form, while the silver snake wraps across it in a way that creates depth, motion, and tension — not just decoration.

👉 The result is not a ring with a stone…

👉 It is a fully unified sculpture you can wear.

In person, the effect is even more striking — the snake appears to coil and shift depending on the angle, giving the piece an almost animated quality.

I am very open to reasonable offers and always happy to work with collectors and buyers. Please don’t hesitate to send an offer — the worst I can do is say no thank you. I truly want this piece to go to someone who will appreciate it.

Up for sale is an exceptional vintage Zuni handmade sterling silver snake ring, dating to approximately the 1970s–1980s, clearly inspired by the iconic carved turquoise work of Leekya Deyuse, though not attributed to his hand.

This is not a small or common example — it is oversized, heavy, and visually commanding, with a level of presence rarely encountered in vintage wearable form.

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⭐ SPECIFICATIONS

• Total Weight: 34.98 grams (1.234 ounces)

• Ring Size: 10.5

• Ring Face: 48.85 mm × 24.55 mm (1.920” × 0.967”)

• Turquoise Snake:

 – 47.85 mm × 22.10 mm (1.884” × 0.870”)

• Table Height (Thickness):

 – Approx. 12.95 mm (0.510”) at center

• Shank Width:

 – 23.95 mm (0.943”) on one side

 – 24.25 mm (0.955”) on the other

 – Narrows to approx. 9.65 mm (0.380”) at back

All measurements are approximate and taken carefully by hand.

💎 This is a large, heavy, and substantial ring with true, undeniable presence on the hand.

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⭐ MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION

🔨 Fully handmade Zuni silverwork with sculptural design.

This ring was fabricated using traditional techniques, with clear evidence of hand construction throughout:

• Thick sterling silver construction (.925 tested)

• Hand-formed and applied snake appliqué

• Deep, well-cut serrated bezel

• Organic asymmetry consistent with true handmade work

• Visible hand-finishing and tool marks throughout

What makes this piece especially important:

👉 The ring is built around the carved turquoise — not the other way around

👉 The applied snake creates movement, tension, and dimensional layering

👉 The wide, supportive shank balances the large top exceptionally well

The silver exhibits:

• Warm, natural vintage patina

• Light surface wear consistent with age

• Excellent structural integrity

✨ These are not imperfections — they are the fingerprints of authentic handmade craftsmanship.

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⭐ TURQUOISE

💎 Large, hand-carved turquoise snake with exceptional character and visual depth.

This is where the ring truly separates itself.

The stone displays:

• Vibrant green to deep blue-green coloration

• Dense brownish-black spiderweb matrix

• Distinct metallic inclusions visible throughout

• Rich “waterwebbing” patterns across the surface

✨ The polish strikes a perfect balance — reflective enough to catch light, yet still organic and tactile, allowing you to feel the natural structure of the stone beneath your fingertips.

📌 Important transparency & collector-level detail:

The exact mine origin cannot be definitively confirmed. However:

👉 The bold coloration, heavy matrix, and metallic inclusions are highly consistent with high-grade Hubei turquoise, which became more prevalent in Southwestern jewelry during the late 20th century.

This aligns well with the estimated 1970s–1980s production period.

Additional notes:

• The stone is entirely hand-carved, not machine cut

• One very small area of matrix loss appears natural and inherent to the stone, not from impact

• No signs of trauma to surrounding silver

• Stone is secure in the setting with little to no movement

💎 This is a large, visually dynamic turquoise specimen with serious collector appeal.

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⭐ HALLMARK & ATTRIBUTION

This ring is unsigned, which is not uncommon for vintage Zuni work of this era.

Based on construction, materials, and stylistic elements:

• Handmade Zuni origin is strongly supported

• Dating aligns with 1970s–1980s production

• Clearly influenced by the carved turquoise snake works of Leekya Deyuse

While not attributed to Leekya himself, the influence is unmistakable — making this a highly desirable piece for collectors drawn to that iconic aesthetic at a more accessible level.

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⭐ CONDITION

This ring is in excellent vintage condition, especially considering its size and sculptural construction.

• Stone is secure in bezel

• No major chips or cracks observed

• One small natural matrix loss (see photos)

• Silver shows normal, age-appropriate wear

• Beautiful natural patina throughout

• No repairs observed

Additional notes:

• Surface lines within the stone are natural characteristics

• Evidence of handmade construction throughout

✨ Well-preserved, structurally sound, and clearly cherished over time.

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⭐ FINAL THOUGHTS

This is not just a ring — it is a conversation piece, a statement, and a wearable sculpture all in one.

The combination of:

• Massive scale and weight

• Hand-carved turquoise snake

• Applied silver serpent with lifelike movement

• Strong Leekya-inspired aesthetic

• Authentic handmade Zuni construction

…places this piece in a category far beyond typical vintage examples.

💎 Pieces with this level of presence, artistry, and impact are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Whether worn or displayed, this is the kind of piece that:

👉 Gets noticed instantly

👉 Starts conversations

👉 And stays remembered