This is not available for purchase!! The ring is on layaway!

THE ARTIST:

Les Baker was born in 1935 (D. 2014), and as he grew older, he eventually joined the Navy. He once shared that he had lied about his age just to get enlisted, making him one of the youngest Navy pilots ever recorded. After serving in the Korean War, he returned to New Mexico, where he developed a keen interest in Native American turquoise jewelry.

According to the story, if it hadn’t been for his wife’s desire for a Squash Blossom necklace—a piece they couldn’t afford at the time—Les might not have ventured into jewelry making. Determined, he took it upon himself to create one, and the result was so stunning that when his wife attended a party with Edith Maisel, (AKA: The “Queen of Indian Jewelry,”) Maisel was so impressed when she saw Les’s work, that she offered Les a job. For those who don’t know, but Edith Maisel was instrumental in popularizing Native American turquoise jewelry and provided many Native American artists with opportunities to showcase and sell their work, significantly increasing awareness of this beautiful art form. This was a turning point for Les, and he further honed his designs by learning from the renowned Native American artist Carl Louthy.

Moving forward into the 1970s—the perfect era for Les—he opened his own shop as Native-made turquoise jewelry was reaching unprecedented popularity. This period was incredibly prosperous for anyone in the business, boosted by celebrities such as Cher and Jim Morrison, who helped bring Native turquoise jewelry into the mainstream spotlight, pushing its fame beyond imagination. Les designed a unique style influenced heavily by the 1970s, characterized by free-flowing scrollwork and abundant hand-sculpted leaves and flowers, motifs he continued to use throughout his career. Over time, Les became a master of many different styles and techniques, solidifying his reputation as an expert in the field.

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THE RING:

This is not a huge ring by any means, but one thing I have to say that truly impresses me and gives it a distinct advantage is the incredible design and expert workmanship! Having a jeweler's background myself, I continue to this day to closely observe the creative process an artist undertakes, searching for the unique elements that set their work apart from the “average-common” pieces we so often see.

The ring sits elegantly on a split shank, with the face composed of two separate sections that are soldered together to appear as a seamless whole. The base is cleverly designed where Les created subtle “cut out side pockets,” which are then lined with small turquoise beads. Honestly, it is this specific detail that greatly contributes to the extraordinary overall design and also is what commands the attention it deserves!! (see especially photos 3, 4, and 5). Atop of this foundation rests the stunning Morenci turquoise, bezel set and adorned with 1970’s style accent leaf work and beads. The cut of the Morenci stone has its distinctive and beautiful signature blue hue, complemented by its pyrite matrix, which adds fascinating texture and character! (for more details, see “Condition” in the “Specifics” section).

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SPECIFICS:

ARTIST: Les Baker

TRIBAL AFFILIATION: None-Anglo

CIRCA MADE: 1970’s

FACE MEASUREMENT: 1” X about 5/8”

SIZE: 7

ADJUSTABLE: No

METAL: Sterling (Tested)

METAL FINISHING: Natural Patination

WEIGHT: 18.6 Grams

STONE: Natural Morenci Turquoise -Not sure what mine the turquoise beads come from{?}

MATERIAL CUTS: Free Form Tear Drop-Round Beads

SHANK: Split

HALLMARK: LS with Thunderbird

CONDITION: Stone is secure, but where the Pyrite is, there are pits which is quite common when matrix runs through the turquoise.. Remember, to give close up photos everything is more magnified & enlarged so it’s not going to be as pronounced in person, as it is in the photos. Sits secured in bezel. Shank is in rounded form. The ring has gracefully aged & has a warm soft patina..I do not believe in polishing vintage jewelry, so I will send it like it is,unless you specify you would like me to polish it.

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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. So please go through the photos to see any variation & to get an idea of the size,please view it on the finger, as well as going over the measurements.. Please understand that each monitor varies and also plays an important role in how vibrant or less vibrant as something appears. *****