Southwestern Ring Appraisal

Southwestern Style Sterling Silver Twin Stone Ring with Chalcedony and Turquoise

This is a substantial finger ring featuring two prominently set cabochon gemstones within an ornate sterling silver (or similar white metal) setting. The overall design suggests a Southwestern Native American style, often referred to as Navajo or Zuni inspired, due to its use of large stones, twisted wire, and silverwork. The top stone is an oval-shaped, translucent light blue or aquamarine-colored chalcedony or natural agate, exhibiting a smooth, polished surface with good luster. It is bezel-set, framed by a twisted rope-like border. Below this, separated by sculptural silver elements resembling possibly wings or organic forms with raised striations, is a teardrop-shaped turquoise cabochon. This turquoise displays a vibrant blue-green hue with visible matrix (dark veining), indicative of natural turquoise. It is also bezel-set with a twisted rope border. Small silver spheres ("raindrops" or "beads") are strategically placed around the settings and on the central silver element, adding decorative detail. The silver itself shows signs of oxidation and a natural patina, suggesting age and lack of recent polishing, which is common and often desired in vintage Native American jewelry. The surface appears hand-fabricated, with visible solder points and irregularities consistent with artisanal craftsmanship rather than mass production. The ring is elongated, designed to cover a significant portion of the finger. No specific maker's marks or hallmarks are discernible from the provided images, but the crafting method points to a mid to late 20th-century artisanal piece. The condition appears to be good vintage, with the gemstones intact and no obvious major damage, only surface wear and a natural tarnishing of the metal.