Turquoise Cobblestone Inlay Ring by Lester James (Navajo)

Arizona Turquoise | Sterling Silver

In John Adair’s writings on Navajo silversmithing, he explored the long debated question of who was truly the first Navajo silversmith. What he discovered was that the answer often depended on where you were on the Navajo Nation. Different communities held onto different stories, each believing their own local craftsman was the first to shape silver into wearable art. What became clear, however, was that silversmithing began emerging in several regions around the same period in history.

Trade routes, the arrival of horses, blacksmithing opportunities, and exposure to Spanish metalwork all helped spark a transformation in Navajo artistry. From those early beginnings, Navajo silversmiths have continued to honor tradition while constantly pushing the art form forward. Every generation reinvents familiar ideas, carrying the spirit of the past into new designs for the future.

Navajo silversmith Lester James carries that tradition forward with this striking handcrafted inlay ring. Using a collection of hand-cut Arizona turquoise stones, Lester creates a geometric cobblestone inlay pattern filled with vibrant shades of blue, soft green hues, and natural matrix. The arrangement gives the ring movement and texture while highlighting the individuality of each carefully selected stone.

The sterling silver band is formed using traditional tufa casting techniques, leaving behind the rugged organic texture that collectors admire in handmade Navajo jewelry. The contrast between the rough silver finish and the smooth polished stones creates a bold Southwestern look that feels both timeless and contemporary.

This is the kind of ring that instantly stands out when worn — a piece that reflects both the history of Navajo silversmithing and the evolving creativity of modern Native jewelry artists.

Ring Width – 5/8″
Ring Size – 9
Weight – .425 ozt