From a Catalina Foothills estate in Tucson is this visually superior Wilson Dawes Navajo tufa cast silver ring with a nice 12.5x10mm local lapidary green spiderweb turquoise centerpiece. Wilson is known for such wearable artworks in traditionally cast silver, crafted in much the same way as old heirloom pieces (though their aesthetic is clearly forward thinking, and just as clearly all his). Put another way he cuts the tufa stone and hand carves it to suit, melts and casts the silver, shapes and finishes the hardened metal, crafts a bezel, then sets the stone. All of this for a one of a kind result. Think of the time involvement, let alone the actual work. Here, there are ample physical signs of this labor intensive bench artistry - the charismatic almost brutalist decorative embellishments and aspects of the artisanal finish work purposely left showing for instance, and the generously proportioned shank. There is also "STERLING / WD" struck to its inner surface - strong, and obviously with a sense of pride. there is really no mistaking any Wilson Dawes ring. As someone once said, that's a good thing. Weight is very good for the form at about 13.9 grams on my portable digital scale - obviously no skimping on silver. Condition is quite fine with just a subtle aura of time to the stone and oxidized silver surfaces. The minimal signs of actual wear validate a history of very brief service (or perhaps none at all). Be aware I have avoided every urge to refresh away or "improve" upon any natural toning - you want that done, you do it. There is what may be a tiny (I mean really tiny)) nick to the stone surface visible in my greatly magnified photos - a pinpoint white speck that could actually be something natural, I'm mentioning for accuracy just so you won't. That's pretty much nitpicking for the obsessive, and a look at the pics should give a good idea of appearance and condition. Size is about 11 1/4 on my jeweler's ring mandrel (the bottom edge of the shank reaches that line on the mandrel). About 5/8 in. (16mm) vertical at the front - so yes, it will be noticed. If you recognize the opportunity here, or simply wish a single immediate improvement to the ambiance of each day, this will have great meaning for you.
