576

Navajo Daniel Martinez Sterling Turquoise Ring

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:125.00 USD Estimated At:350.00 - 700.00 USD
Navajo Daniel Martinez Sterling Turquoise Ring
Offered in this lot is a Vintage Navajo Diné Daniel Martinez Sterling Silver Turquoise Ring. The ring shows iconic Navajo decoration with a sterling silver bear centerpiece with a floral design, petit point Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochons and silver beads. The Navajo, or Diné, began working silver in the 19th century. Navajo metalsmiths make buckles, bridles, buttons, rings, canteens, hollow beads, earrings, crescent-shaped pendants (called "najas"), bracelets, crosses, powder chargers, tobacco canteens, and disks, known as "conchas" or "conchos" typically used to decorate belts - made from copper, steel, iron, and most commonly, silver. Turquoise is closely associated with Navajo jewelry, but it was not until 1880 that the first turquoise was known to be set in silver. Turquoise became much more readily available in ensuing decades. Inside of the shank is the artist's hallmark, "DM" and "Sterling". The condition of this Navajo ring is good, rich patina noted throughout with no obvious signs of damage. Size 13, measures 1.125"L x 1"W x 1.5"D, collective weight 18.5 grams.