Southwestern Sterling Silver Opal Ring

This item is a handcrafted sterling silver ring featuring a prominent oval-cut cabochon opal. The opal measures approximately 12mm x 8mm and exhibits a milky white base with a vibrant play-of-color, showcasing flashes of neon green, yellow, and orange. The stone is held securely within a saw-tooth bezel setting, a hallmark of traditional Southwestern or Native American jewelry construction. Flanking the central stone are three granular silver beads on each side, leading toward a split-shank band that terminates in open triangular shoulders. The metal exhibits a characteristic aged patina with darkened oxidation in the recessed areas, highlighting the texture of the decorative beadwork. The overall construction suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century origin, likely from the American Southwest. The ring appears in vintage condition with visible surface scratches on the silver and a dulling of the polish, which is consistent with regular wear. The opal surface appears smooth without visible major crazing, though its depth and brilliance are highly reactive to lighting. No maker's marks or hallmarks are immediately visible in the image, but the design style is consistent with artisanal silverwork.