Description
Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition.
There is an undeniable gravity to the silverwork of Tom Willeto. Eschewing delicate filigree in favor of rugged, architectural design, this contemporary Diné (Navajo) ring is masterfully crafted to feel like a treasured heirloom. At its center rests a substantial turquoise cabochon, distinguished by a deep teal-blue hue and a striking, golden-brown webbed matrix. Willeto utilizes a dramatic, deep-set shadowbox design to frame the gem, surrounding it with heavily oxidized recesses and a heavily textured, hand-cast silver border. This bold contrast amplifies the stone’s natural beauty against the weathered silver. Resting firmly on a sturdy, comfortable band, this piece is built for those who appreciate the substantial weight and raw, unpolished character of true “Old Style” Southwestern jewelry.
Tom Willeto’s approach to silversmithing often involves labor-intensive sandcasting or tufa-casting methods, where a design is carved directly into a soft volcanic stone or sand mold to create a singular, textured piece of silver. This traditional process results in a unique surface finish that mimics the natural landscape of the Southwest. In Diné tradition, such bold pieces were designed to be lifelong companions, combining the protective qualities of the “Sky Stone” with the enduring strength of hand-forged metal. For the collector, this modern creation represents a masterful continuation of Navajo artistry, where every deep shadow and textured ridge reflects the artist’s deliberate, individual vision.
