Southwestern Style Turquoise Cabochon Sterling Silver Ring
Jewelry (Ring) · Unknown Workshop; likely Native American (Navajo or Zuni style) or a regional artisan silversmith specialized in Southwestern jewelry.
Pattern: Southwestern saw-tooth bezel design with a split or wide band; common in mid-to-late 20th-century artisanal production.
Type
Jewelry (Ring)
Maker
Unknown Workshop; likely Native American (Navajo or Zuni style) or a regional artisan silversmith specialized in Southwestern jewelry.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with a natural or stabilized Turquoise gemstone. The gem is a high-dome cabochon with some matrix visible.
Dimensions
Estimated size 7-9 US ring size; band width approx. 8-12mm; Turquoise stone approximately 12mm x 15mm; estimated weight 8-12 grams.
Description
An evocative piece of Southwestern jewelry featuring a vibrant turquoise cabochon cradled in a distinctive serrated bezel. The sterling silver band exhibits artisanal craftsmanship with textured shoulders that blend seamlessly into a high-dome setting. Its bold proportions and organic material choice reflect a design language rooted in the American West.
Key Features
Serrated 'saw-tooth' bezel; high-dome turquoise with slight matrix; wide-shouldered band; hand-soldered construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with a natural or stabilized Turquoise gemstone. The gem is a high-dome cabochon with some matrix visible.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and hand-polished finish. Features a decorative serrated (saw-tooth) bezel setting and stamped or cast geometric motifs on the band shoulder.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image; typically located on the inner band. Likely stamped 'STERLING' or '925', possibly with a maker's hallmark (initials or pictograph symbol).
Construction Details
Hand-assembled; the bezel is hand-soldered to a cast or hand-forged band. The stone is secured by manually crimping the serrated bezel edges.
Functional Features
Single-stone statement ring; heavy-duty band for durability; open-back or solid-back setting depending on the stone's stability requirements.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered wide band designed for a comfortable grip on the finger; smooth interior finish for wearability.
Craftsmanship Details
Artisanal quality; evidence of hand-finishing on the bezel tips; the symmetry suggests a skilled craftsman using traditional bench tools rather than mass-market casting.
Authentication Indicators
Solder flow at the bezel base; hand-crimped bezel teeth; patina consistency between band and setting; stone characteristics matching regional turquoise sources.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the United States (Southwest region, possibly Arizona or New Mexico) using traditional lapidary and soldering techniques.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (approx. 1970s-1990s); Modern Southwestern Revival influenced by traditional Indigenous design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975–1995; based on the specific style of the saw-tooth bezel and the patina observed on the silver surface.
Cultural Significance
Represents the widespread 'Turquoise Trail' fashion movement of the 1970s, which brought Indigenous-influenced silverwork into the mainstream global jewelry market.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Light surface scratches (swirls) typical of silver wear; stone is intact but shows minor natural inclusions; moderate tarnish in the recessed areas of the bezel.
Value Estimate
$65 - $150 USD; value fluctuates based on stone quality, maker identification (if found), and the specific gram weight of the silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft silver cloth; avoid liquid dips as they can damage the porous turquoise stone and remove desired oxidation in the crevices; store in a dry place.
Similar Pieces
Navajo Sand-cast rings (usually more textured/heavy) or Zuni Petit Point rings (featuring many small stones rather than one large cabochon).
Interesting Facts
The 'saw-tooth' bezel was pioneered by Zuni and Navajo silversmiths to create a more secure and decorative border for irregularly shaped stones than a plain flat bezel could provide.