Here's a wonderful, very old ring that was included in a private collection of vintage jewelry that we recently purchased from a Native American jewelry collector in New Mexico.
Made during the Fred Harvey era (most likely in the 1940's) this ring is a good example of what is commonly known as "tourist jewelry".
The ring (which appears to have been made in the shape of a saddle) features a triangular shaped black jet stone that is set in a handmade bezel. The artist decorated the areas adjacent to the stone with very intricate hand stamped designs.
This size 8+3/4 ring weighs 7 grams and measures 5/8" long. The inside of the ring's band is stamped HAND MADE but, as with most older Native American jewelry, there is no artist's hallmark nor any indication of the silver content.
We don't see a shop mark but it may have simply been worn out from wear.
The rings shows wear indicative of it's age but, considering how old it is, it's still in pretty good shape. The highly polished black jet stone is in very good condition and is set firmly in it's bezel, but the silver does show that this ring was worn quite a bit by it's previous owner(s).
