Navajo Silver and Montana Onyx Ring by Toney Mitchell [SOLD]

A lustrous black cabochon of Montana onyx was mounted on a textured silver platform in this ring made by Diné of the Navajo Nation silversmith Toney Mitchell. The artist created various textures on the silver frame that accentuates the deep black color of the onyx. Toney fashioned an undulating band of glossy silver with a triangle of etched matte finished silver for the shank. 

Toney Mitchell (1956-) was born in Tolani Lake, Arizona. He attended Fort Wingate High School and Pima Community College. He learned to make jewelry from his brother, Leo. Toney is quoted as saying in Greg Schaaf’s book American Indian Jewelry II: M-Z  2,100 Artist Biographies: “The integration of Navajo traditional rug designs and contemporary art is a process that I enjoy. My work represents the past and the present, worn for its uniqueness.”

This ring is from the Marvin and Betty Rubin estate.  The Rubins traveled around the American Southwest, attending shows and visiting artists in their homes. They collected art based on their appreciation of the work of artists, both well known and up and coming. As part of their collecting, the Rubins kept meticulous records of their purchases. They bought this ring directly from the artist at Santa Fe’s Indian Market in 1999. The ring is signed with the artist’s hallmark, the letter M and a series lines that resemble sunrays and water.

Condition: this ring is in excellent condition. 

Provenance: this Navajo Silver and Montana Onyx Ring by Toney Mitchell is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin

Recommended Reading: American Indian Jewelry II: M-Z  2,100 Artist Biographies by Greg Schaaf

Relative Links: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Toney Mitchell, Diné Silversmith