Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Navajo Sterling Silver and Green Turquoise Ring by Calvin Martinez

$425

Artist: Calvin Martinez
Style: Ring
Nation: 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 Navajo (Diné) Nation

The Navajo Nation, or Diné Bikéyah, is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, spanning over 27,000 square miles across the dramatic landscapes of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Diné (which translates perfectly to “The People”) have a profoundly rich artistic heritage and are recognized globally for their master-level silversmithing, vibrant turquoise jewelry, and intricate textile weavings. Rooted in the guiding philosophy of hózhó—a concept of walking in beauty, harmony, and balance with the natural world—Navajo artistry is a stunning reflection of their deep spiritual connection to the earth and their enduring cultural legacy.