Sleeping Beauty Turquoise ring.

Turquoise and sterling silver ring.
Photo by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2014

Living near the northwestern region of the Navajo Nation near the Shiprock, New Mexico community, I make and effort to visit the Shiprock Market place on the weekends. Usually open Friday through Sunday the open market hosts a plethora of goods from organic plant herbs to buckskin bags to items made in China and of course turquoise and silver jewelry items.

This ring is a recent purchase I made. It was made by a Navajo silversmith from the area, though I cannot recall her name, she stamped her work with a "P." I was drawn to her jewelry pieces because of their unique design. Included in her ring collection was beautiful bracelets too.

This ring is made by her own design from sterling silver and Sleeping Beauty turquoise stones. The stones are intentionally left raw, only polished and then set into the handmade bezels. I adore the simplicity of this ring's design as it reminds me of the old Navajo jewelry designs of the 1930s era.

The "cube" effect this ring radiates is clever because it is due the round-ness of the stones and how they are set among each other. Also the small silver drops are a nice compliment and continue the effect of movement.

Since I purchased this ring for my collection I have worn it most everyday, even on my morning treks. I always feel a sense of balance and goodness when I adorn myself with turquoise and silver jewelry. Turquoise, or as we call it "dootłíizhi " is the essence of Navajo wellness and balance.

Perpetuate the Beauty Way.

blessings, vj