Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Navajo Sterling Silver and Green Turquoise Ring by Calvin Martinez

$425

Artist: Calvin Martinez
Style: Ring
Pueblo: Navajo (Diné)
Period: Contemporary
Materials: Natural Green Turquoise and Sterling Silver
Size: 6 1/2
Item: #4493

Categories: , ,

In stock

Description

Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition.

Command attention with the rugged, earthy elegance of this contemporary Diné (Navajo) sterling silver ring by master silversmith Calvin Martinez. The focal point of this substantial piece is a large, oval cabochon of green turquoise, marbled with a striking, golden-brown matrix that evokes the desert landscape. The stone is secured in a traditional sawtooth bezel and wrapped in hand-twisted silver wire. Martinez frames the gem with an impressive, heavy-gauge silver border featuring deep, precise stamp work, scalloped edges, and polished silver “raindrops.” Built upon a sturdy, multi-split shank, this ring offers a comfortable fit while maintaining a bold, architectural profile on the hand.

The craftsmanship of Calvin Martinez is synonymous with the “Old Style” revival of Native American jewelry. By utilizing heavy-gauge silver, deep oxidation, and hand-forged tools, he flawlessly replicates the weight and soulful patina of early 20th-century Navajo silverwork in a modern context. In this piece, the combination of the vivid, mossy green turquoise and the blackened recesses of the silver creates a dramatic, high-contrast aesthetic. For the serious collector, a piece hallmarked by Calvin Martinez is not just an accessory; it is an investment in world-class, traditional Indigenous artistry that carries the heritage of the past into the present day.

About The Artist

Calvin Martinez is a multi-award-winning Navajo (Diné) silversmith renowned globally for his dedication to traditional, “Old Style” jewelry making. Born circa 1958–1960 and raised in the Haystack area of New Mexico, Martinez comes from a family deeply rooted in silversmithing. He is celebrated for refusing to take modern shortcuts; he often works with heavy ingot silver and uses custom-made stamps he tools himself to achieve his signature deep, crisp impressions.

More About the Artist

About the Pueblo

The Navajo Pueblo, or Navajo Nation, is one of the largest Native American tribes, located in the Southwest U.S. across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. The Navajo, or Diné, have a rich cultural heritage, with traditions rooted in weaving, pottery, and silver jewelry. Their society is matrilineal, tracing lineage through the mother’s side. Traditionally, they lived in hogans, dome-shaped homes built from natural materials. The Navajo maintain strong spiritual beliefs focused on balance and harmony. Today, the Navajo Nation remains a vibrant community, preserving its language, traditions, and cultural identity.