Sharon Francisco 13-Stone Royston and Blue Bird Turquoise Cluster Ring, Navajo Sterling Silver

A Navajo cluster ring set with thirteen Royston and Blue Bird turquoise stones, handmade in sterling silver by Sharon Francisco.

The piece. A large teardrop center stone of green turquoise with brown matrix is ringed by twelve bright sky-blue stones, each in its own smooth bezel, with silver dot accents between them on an oxidized silver base. The band splits into two strands where it meets the back of the top.

The stones. Royston and Blue Bird turquoise, 12 stones around 1 center stone. Natural turquoise varies in color and matrix, so every stone is a little different.

The artist. Sharon Francisco is a Navajo silversmith. The ring carries the artist's hallmark, "Sharon Francisco", and "Sterling".

Navajo tradition. Navajo (Diné) silversmithing is a living art form more than 150 years old. Navajo smiths learned metalwork from Mexican plateros in the mid-1800s, and by the 1880s they were setting turquoise in hand-worked silver. Cluster work like this, gathering several stones into one design, is one of the tradition's signature styles.

Details

• Artist: Sharon Francisco, Navajo
• Hallmark: Sharon Francisco, Sterling
• Stone: Royston and Blue Bird turquoise, 13 stones (12 + 1 center)
• Metal: Sterling silver, oxidized finish
• Design size: 2 x 1.25 inches
• Weight: 29 grams
• Ring size: 9
• Condition: New

Questions buyers ask

Is this authentic Native American jewelry? Yes. It was handmade by Navajo artist Sharon Francisco and carries the artist's hallmark.

What size is it? The ring is a size 9.

How big is it? The top measures 2 inches long by 1.25 inches wide, a bold statement size.

How do I care for it? Put it on last and take it off first. Wipe with a soft dry cloth and keep it away from lotion, perfume, water and ultrasonic cleaners.

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Item# R-T048