Oval Navajo Multi Stone Inlay Ring

A large oval geometric inlaid multi-stone silver ring. The ring has a very intricately cut geometric inlaid pattern comprised of a number of piece of Lapis, Mother of Pearl, Turquoise, Onyx, malachite, lapis lazuli, orange spiny shell, malachite and coral. All pieced together, they combine to make this stunning and very traditional Native American design. The design is that of the Navajo Native American tribe, and was made by a jeweller from this tribe. The Navajo tribe, now located in occupying portions of northeastern Arizona, southeastern Utah, and northwestern New Mexico, was the first Native American group to learn Mexican silversmithing techniques. Navajo artist Atsidi Chon then taught the art to a member of the Zuni tribe. This is an example of the Navajo 'cluster work' technique, characterized by a series of shaped stones set into various bezel settings. This 'cluster work' later evolved into the more intricate petit point and needlepoint styles. A variety of bold and colourful