RING PROVENANCE:

This ring came through my store by the son of the original owner. He inherited his father’s pieces that the father had collected since the 1950’s.The son was telling me that nobody in the family wanted these, nor would wear them, so that’s when he considered bringing them to me. The father etched his ID # on the back of each piece I purchased (See hallmark photo 8), which was very common for that time period.. Many times an owner would put their social security # or certain numbers that would identify the owner in case if anything were to happen, they could identify it.

THE RING:

Even though man or woman could wear this, this ring does have a masculine aesthetic to it and feels very solid..This is the matching ring to the “Seafoam Turquoise” row cuff that can be found under both the women’s & men’s “Bracelet” categories.

THE SEAFOAM TURQUOISE:

The term “Seafoam Turquoise” does not refer to a mine, but rather refers to visual characteristics, which are color and shape. Seafoam turquoise actually could come from any number of mines. There is slight variation in color, which tells me that these stones are not treated, since stabilized turquoise will not change over time. These may have been a tad bluer when new & now after time, I would say they’re more of a teal green. The natural stones are all in their “free form” nugget like shape and sit high in their secure bezels.

THE HALLMARK:

The only “F. Begay” I know of is “Francis Begay”, but they are usually signed “F.L.Begay”. From having been in this business for decades now, I do know that artists change their hallmark over time, so whether this is one of Francis’s earlier made rings, I am not sure.

If you zoom in on photos 2,9,10, you will see the matching Seafoam turquoise cuff & can be found under the “Bracelet” category!

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ARTIST: F. Begay {Francis??}

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Navajo

FACE MEASUREMENT: 1” X 3/4”

SIZE: 9-1/2

ADJUSTABLE: No

METAL: Sterling

METAL FINISHING: Natural Patination

WEIGHT: 23.8 Grams

SHANK UNDERSIDE THICKNESS: Just Under 1/4” (5.4 mm)

STONE: Natural Turquoise

TURQUOISE CUT: Seafoam Nuggets

HALLMARK: "F. Begay”

CONDITION: Shank is in same condition as when made & has been VERY well kept & in perfect Condition. No cracked, chipped or missing stones. Sit secured in bezels. The ring has gracefully aged & has a warm patina..I do not believe in polishing vintage jewelry, so I will send it like it is.

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PLEASE READ:

*****I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try to give you photos that are 'realistic" in color, just so you're not shocked, nor disappointed when you get the piece. So please go through the photos to see any variation. Please understand that each monitor varies and also plays an important role in how vibrant or less vibrant as something appears. *****