NAVAJO CARVED TURQUOISE CAST SILVER RING 19.5 GMS 1940\'S VINTAGE TUCSON ESTATE For Sale

(NOTE: I wasn\'t absolutely sure which end to show \"up\", so the last photo has the front reversed in case you prefer it that way) From a Bisbee estate southeast of Tucson is this rather impressive Navajo cast silver ring. The I believe 1940\'s or perhaps earlier 1950\'s ornament features a substantial 24x16mm carved turquoise centerpiece and old style file work and prepared stamp work to the silver (a thoughtful choice on the part of the maker). The traditionally cast signet style shank provides an appropriately scaled showcase for that local lapidary stone - and in this case there are clear hammer marks still showing towards the back where the two ends were shaped around and then joined. There is also what appears a period trading post coding pin engraved within. Cast rings of the given era like this one were typically crafted from trader supplied 925 sterling ingots. While I suppose it is possible some 900 fine coins were still being melted down in obscure corners of the reservation, it would be a less likely scenario than those assayed silver slugs. Weight is very good for the form at about 19.5 grams on my portable digital scale. Condition is quite good though not absolutely pristine perfect, with an aura of time to all surfaces. Be aware I have avoided every urge to refresh away or \"improve\" upon any natural toning - you want that done you do it. The turquoise is firmly set and shows nice wear and patination, along with what appears an old fracture within the carving lines. The whole stone was covered over with an ancient yellowed coating of lacquer or maybe animal glue when acquired from the estate - I have laboriously removed most of that, though a few tiny bits remain in the crevices. Such signs of previous attention serve as evidence of a long and genuine history. A look at the pics should give a good idea of appearance and condition. Size is about 7 on my jeweler\'s ring mandrel (the lower edge of the shank reaches that line on my mandrel). About 1 in. vertical at the front. If you prefer historic Southwestern silver adornment for the bonus of a road less travelled, or simply wish a single immediate improvement to the ambiance of each day, this will have great meaning for terapeak