Description

This exceptional old pawn Navajo ring is built in the substantial saddle-ring tradition, with four individually set stones arranged across a high, shield-shaped sterling silver face. Two blue to blue-green turquoise cabochons are balanced by two deep red coral cabochons, each held in a hand-fitted serrated bezel. Rather than lining the stones up mechanically, the silversmith turned and staggered their irregular forms, creating a dense, asymmetrical cluster that uses nearly the entire face of the ring.

The construction is especially impressive. The four settings rise from a heavy hand-fabricated silver foundation and are separated by rounded silver drops, with recessed areas between the bezels giving the cluster pronounced depth. The upper coral lies horizontally beneath the crown, the matrixed turquoise and elongated coral stand vertically through the center, and the second turquoise anchors the lower edge. Each serrated bezel follows the individual contour of its stone, a particularly appealing detail in an older hand-built piece.

The shank is integral to the design rather than simply supporting the top. Broad shoulders sweep outward into the stone-set face, each deeply stamped with an eight-point starburst and small radiating punches, then taper into a narrower rounded band at the back. The combination of turquoise, coral, deeply stamped shoulders, serrated settings, and substantial hand-fabricated silverwork gives the ring the unmistakable character of vintage Navajo jewelry.

Signed A.L. on the reverse.

Measurements & Specifications

• Weight: 13 grams
• Material: Sterling Silver (tested and confirmed), Turquoise, Coral
• Main Stone: Turquoise
• Secondary Stones: Coral
• Stone Color: Blue-Green, Red
• Stone Characteristics: Turquoise with brown matrix
• Stone Shape: Freeform
• Number of Gemstones: 4
• Setting Type: Serrated Bezel
• Stone Measurements: LS: 0.54 in L x 0.17 in W (13.6 mm x 4.4 mm)
• Ring Face Measurements: 1.06 in L x 0.54 in W (26.9 mm x 13.7 mm)
• Shank Style: Wide Tapered Saddle Shank
• Ring Size: 10 1/2
• Design: Four-Stone Turquoise and Coral Saddle Ring
• Technique: Hand Fabrication, Serrated Bezel Setting, Applied Silver Drops, Hand Stamping
• Signed/Unsigned: Signed
• Hallmarked: Yes (A.L.)
• Culture: Native American
• Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
• Country of Origin: United States
• Era: Mid-to-Late 20th Century
• Style: Navajo Old Pawn