Navajo Single Stone Ring with Oval Petrified Wood Setting [SOLD]

This 1960s-era ring made by a Diné of the Navajo Nation artist features a lovely oval cabochon of petrified wood set in a handmade bezel which is attached to a silver platform that has scalloped edges which were scored with lines as in sun rays.  Three silver dots frame the setting on each side.  The silver band is divided into three bars at the intersection of the platform. The back of the ring band is stamped with a pair of snakes.  

According to John Adair, “The setting of polished petrified wood is a modern development.  The stone is never polished by the Indians because it is too hard for their tools.  It is mechanically polished by professional white stonecutters.  Pieces of petrified wood are often set in a ring . . .”

Margery Bedinger stated “During the 1930s and 1940s the Indians favored petrified wood for settings. It was too hard for them to shape, but was obtainable from traders already cut and polished. Today it is used occasionally.”

Condition: excellent original condition.  There is a miniscule separation in the silver bezel that is hardly noticeable with the naked eye.

Provenance: this Navajo Single Stone Ring with Oval Petrified Wood Setting is from the collection of a client from Oklahoma

Reference: 

Bedinger, Margery. Indian Silver Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers, 1973

Adair, John. The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths, 1989. 

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, ring, Diné-Navajo Nation