A sterling silver handmade ring with Concho designs.  This is a beautiful example of Native sterling silver at hits best.  This piece is quite contemporary in its production, perhaps having been made in the last ten to fifteen years, but it is a great example of all the beautiful techniques, and quality of the vastly talented Native American artisans.

The ring focuses on the design of a "Concho" motif.  The word Concho, or Concha, derives from the Spanish for shell.  The first phase pieces were made from melted coins and resembled shells, and so this is thought to be where the name originated.  This motif is perhaps best known from the iconic belts worn by member of mainly the Navajo, Zuni and Hopi tribes.  These designs of the early belts were heavily influenced by the Spanish and Mexican hardware found on the bridal hardware from the 1700 and 1800's 

The ring is marked both "sterling" and signed with the makers mark "TJim" stamped into the inside of the shank. Self-taught Navajo artist, Thomas Jim, is renowned for his concho belts, bolas, belt buckles and squash blossoms. He was raised by his grandfather, but he was not taught by him as his grandfather preferred  to be alone when he worked.  He has also carved a reputation for quality of design and detail in his stunning jewelry boxes. And although he is well known for his silver, Jim also enjoys working with 14-karat gold and often combines the two metals in his pieces.

Thomas Jim is also a master at incorporating turquoise and coral into his work. “The challenge is to work around the stone,” says Jim, noting that each stone has its own personality. Jim’s style is flexible, and he is adept at both contemporary and traditional design.

Thomas Jim has won numerous blue ribbons including the prestigious ‘Best of Jewelry’ at Gallup’s Intertribal Ceremonial.

The ring is a size 12.5.  This ring cannot be sized due to the intricate, all around detailing.