Sterling Silver and Turquoise Inlay Ring

This item is a vintage or antique sterling silver ring, likely of Southwestern Native American origin, possibly Zuni or Navajo due to its distinctive inlay style. The ring features a robust sterling silver band with a dark patina that suggests age and regular wear. The most striking characteristic is the arrangement of small, rectangular turquoise stones, which appear to be set in a channel or individual bezel setting around the upper perimeter of the band, creating a continuous row of color. There seem to be two such rows visible, separated by a band of silver that might be decorated with small silver beads or granular work, adding texture and visual interest. The turquoise stones exhibit a vibrant blue-green hue, with some variation in color and possibly matrixing, indicators of natural turquoise rather than reconstituted or dyed material. The individual stone facets are well-aligned, indicating skilled lapidary work. The metal shows signs of wear consistent with its age, including minor scratches and darkened areas within the intricate details of the silverwork, which is characteristic of genuine sterling silver that has not been recently polished. No visible maker's marks or stamps are discernible in the provided image, which is common for older, handmade Native American jewelry. The craftsmanship, particularly the precision of the stone setting and metalwork, suggests a piece of good quality, handmade by a skilled artisan.