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An extremely large historic Navajo silver “Shield” style ring with magnificent stampwork designs, c. 1930's-40's
NAVAJO SILVERSMITHS were making large “statement” or “cocktail” style rings decades before those terms were ever invented in popular American culture. This big, bold, beautifully-stamped c.1930’s-40’s “Shield” style ring
is a perfect and powerful example of the genre, a classic and wonderful ly dramatic presentation. As the saying goes, “it’s large and in charge.”
On its extremely pretty silver face the ring has an extraordinarily lovely and very highly-detailed stamp, chisel and file work design, akin to a complex miniature geometric painting. The design is divided diagonally into four equal parts or sections, a traditional Navajo design presentation signifying the four cardinal directions of the world. Each of these four quadrants is further embellished with an intricate pattern of numerous crescent, round, rosette, diamond, floral and butterfly designs for a rich, luxurious and quite fancy overall appearance.
The ring pictured along with a later, more contemporary version of a Navajo “Shield” style ring made by McKee Platero, 2018.
The ring’s rectangular silver face nicely mounted atop its most finely-crafted triple-split silver shank measures an extremely impressive 2 1/2" in height and it is 1 1/2" in width. The ring measures a size 7 on a professional graduated ring sizer. The ring weighs a substantial, but extremely comfortable and easy to wear 33 grams or
1 1/8 ounces. The ring’s face is slightly and subtly contoured or curved for a nice smooth form fit around the finger. You might not expect a ring so large to be so comfortable, but it really is and it feels quite natural and harmonious on the body. The ring is in completely excellent original vintage condition with some nice age-appropriate wear and a terrific, soft, glowing patina, but there are no damages at all anywhere in evidence.
The anonymous old Navajo silversmith who made this outstanding ring expertly knew his craft, every possible detail is optimized to the maximum effect and just perfectly done, he was clearly and justifiably proud of his excellent efforts here. All in all, this piece is a traditionally hand-crafted historic Navajo ring, it’s a superbly artistic miniature silver painting and it’s a small and spectacular precious silver metal sculpture all at the same time. Can’t ask much more from a ring that that. And, at the end of the day, when you’re not wearing it, you can just display and enjoy it as the consummate fine art object it is.
Price $2,150
