BA1644 turquoise inlay Harpo ring

Navajo ring 

Magnificent oval Navajo ring in silver, inlaid with King's Manassa (Colorado) turquoise .

Inlay is a Native American jewelry-making process in which real stones (most often turquoise, coral, mother-of-pearl and jet) are cut and assembled by hand to create a geometric pattern. The whole is polished to a smooth, elegant finish. 

Inlay is a Zuni jewelry process, but here it is masterfully executed by a Navajo silversmith. This ring is a fine example of “channel inlay”, an inlay technique in which the stones are compartmentalized by thin silver bars.

The turquoise is surrounded by a thin silver cord, reminiscent of the lasso and the fact that in Native culture the stone must be tamed like a wild animal. These details further enhance the beauty of the stones.

The ring's setting is impressive. Fine hand-chiselled and oxidized lines create fine rays, creating a superb contrast between the blue of the turquoise and the shine of the silver.

Inlay dimensions (L x W): 1.8cm x 1.3cm

(0.3/4 inch x 0.1/2 inch)

This ring is in sterling silver.

Proudly Navajo handmade in the USA.