Navajo Southwest Sterling Silver Opal Shield Ring with 'R' Hallmark
Jewelry - Ring · Attributed to a Navajo (Diné) silversmith, likely using the 'R' hallmark associated with artists such as Raymond Begay or Ronald Wadsworth, though 'R' is a common individual artisan stamp in the Southwest.
Pattern: Southwestern Tribal Design; traditional Navajo split-shank ring with silver leaf and drop appliqués.
Type
Jewelry - Ring
Maker
Attributed to a Navajo (Diné) silversmith, likely using the 'R' hallmark associated with artists such as Raymond Begay or Ronald Wadsworth, though 'R' is a common individual artisan stamp in the Southwest.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with a lab-created or natural opal (likely 'opalite' or synthetic fire opal common in 1970s-90s Southwestern jewelry).
Dimensions
Estimated face height: 1.25 inches. Weight: approximately 8-12 grams. Size is specific to the wearer but construction suggests a standard split-shank design.
Description
A striking example of Southwestern silversmithing, this ring features an oval opal cabochon set within a classic Navajo 'shield' frame. The silver work surrounding the stone displays traditional motifs of organic leaves and small beads, finished with a heavy patina to provide depth. The split-shank band ensures the large face remains centered on the finger, embodying the bold aesthetic of the late 20th-century Native American jewelry movement.
Key Features
Single block 'R' hallmark, 'Sterling' purity stamp, sawtooth bezel construction, and triple split-shank band.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with a lab-created or natural opal (likely 'opalite' or synthetic fire opal common in 1970s-90s Southwestern jewelry).
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized antique finish in recessed areas to highlight silver work. Features hand-stamped elements, silver droplets (raindrops), and applied leaf motifs characteristic of Navajo aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Incuse 'Sterling' stamp and a block-letter 'R' maker's mark. The 'Sterling' stamp shows typical 20th-century sans-serif typography used by US-based artisans.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled using bench-made techniques. Components include a hand-soldered split shank, a sawtooth bezel setting for the stone, and applied decorative silver elements.
Functional Features
Split-shank design for stability on the finger; high bezel setting to protect the opal; recessed backplate for comfort.
Handle & Grip Details
Triple split-shank band made of half-round or flat gauge silver wire, soldered to the backplate of the ring head.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-tooling in the leaf veins and the slight irregularity of the 'Sterling' stamp indicate a human hand rather than a machine-automated process.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark depth and alignment are consistent with hand-stamping. Solder flow visible at shank attachment points suggests authentic bench-work rather than a modern cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Southwest region, likely Arizona or New Mexico). Hand-crafted in an artisan workshop or small-scale tribal cooperative.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Southwestern Jewelry Revival, approx. 1970-1990). Characterized by the use of laboratory-grown opals and traditional Navajo silver techniques.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1985. The font of the 'Sterling' stamp and the use of synthetic opal are key indicators of this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the commercial and artistic boom of Native American jewelry in the mid-to-late 20th century, which helped transition tribal crafts into mainstream American fashion and art galleries.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Surface shows fine scratches (patina) consistent with light wear. Oxidation is well-preserved. No evidence of stone cracking or shank resizing. Minor tarnish on the interior.
Value Estimate
$65 - $125 USD. Value is driven by the artisan's mark and the quality of the silver work rather than the stone's intrinsic value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals as they can damage opals. Store in a soft pouch to prevent the silver from scratching the stone.
Similar Pieces
Bell Trading Post (mass-produced plated items), Zuni inlay rings (different technique using stone cutting), or modern Navajo cast sterling rings.
Interesting Facts
Opal became highly popular in Navajo jewelry during the 1970s as a vibrant alternative to turquoise. Many artists preferred lab-created opals because they were more durable and less prone to cracking than natural desert opals.
Notes
Estate sale Opal southwestern, possibly Navajo ring stamped “Sterling” with “R” hallmark