MATERIALS:

Sterling silver, Turquoise, Coral, Lapis, Malachite, and White Shell.

MEASUREMENTS:

Ring size is 8, it measures approximately 1" long and 3/4" at widest point.

DESCRIPTION:

There is nothing at all average about this beautiful ring! This piece of Native American jewelry is Zuni hand crafted by artist Beverly Etsate out of genuine sterling silver and real multicolor inlay. The inlay consists of: Turquoise, Coral, Lapis, Malachite, and White Shell. The stones are hand carved to look like individual pieces of corn, then it is carefully placed into a corn shaped silver setting. In the Turquoise, other stones can be seen resembling different colors of corn, while twisted silver, silver beads, and hand cut work can be seen accenting for a lovely finish. The corn is a powerful symbol in many tribes. It is used for prayer of fertility and a good growing season. The ring is signed Zuni and by the artist.

Turquoise is the birthstone of December. It is believed that turquoise tends to bring good fortune, strength and helps overcome illness. Turquoise got its name from the Levantine traders called Turks who brought the stone to Europe from Persia via Turkey centuries ago. Native Americans have prized turquoise since the time of the Aztecs, who mined it in New Mexico. The natural variations that occur in turquoise are part of their appeal and beauty.

Corals are known to be very soothing and very protective. Coral is of an organic origin; it is the skeletal remains of marine animals called Coral Polyps. Colonies of these tiny creatures build branching structures as they grow, gradually forming reefs and atolls.