Sterling Silver Turquoise Navajo Ring

Vintage? Yes. Deeply stamped? Yep. Cool styling from the great turquoise boom? You got it. What else do you need? We all need vintage rings. We’re all adults here -- I assume you aren’t like 11 -- we know your wardrobe needs old and new things. Old things because you can always say “you’ll never find this” to your friend who copies you. New things because that’s the way of the world.

So what’s supposed to happen with this vintage Navajo ring? Well, you get it and you add it to your collection. You wear it when you need unique pieces that make a statement. You know that being into vintage Navajo jewelry makes you 20% cooler (it’s science). You also know that supporting Navajo artists that make new pieces makes you 20% cooler (again, science). So if you get this ring and a new ring you’re now 40% cooler than you were yesterday (that’s actually math).

I’m kidding. It’s a pretty ring that’ll become a staple ring in any collection. That’s my point. I also want you take this time to tell you that you should also get newer Navajo pieces. Yes, the older pieces are gorgeous. But they should indicate to you the level of craftsmanship Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and other Native folks put into their art. Forget this specific ring for a minute, if you like it you should get it. But look at it! It’s lasted decades of being worn. It’s developed a unique patina and wear pattern. But the stone is held in place. The features are still strong. It’s evidence that they take their work seriously. This is brilliant work and stuff that’s meant to last several lifetimes. I have antique pieces that I can pop on my wrist and wear like it’s 1920. So when you look at these pieces, know that you’re looking at a tradition of craftsmanship that is world class. Also know that there are still new artists out there who do work on this level. That they know that when they make a piece and hand it to you, that they’re standing by their work. And this means something. It means the old things are as good as the new and that the new things are as good as the old. So get both and be cool.