Cobblestone Turquoise Inlay Ring by Lester James (Navajo)

Arizona Turquoise | Sterling Silver

Every year the Wild Thing rolls into town, bringing one of the largest open bull riding competitions in the Southwest. The stands fill fast with fans eager to watch massive bulls challenge cowboys chasing eight second rides. One of the wildest traditions of the event is cowboy poker — contestants sit around a poker table in the arena while a bull is released, and the last person remaining at the table wins. It takes a certain kind of grit to volunteer for that kind of madness.

Navajo silversmith Lester James knows the thrill firsthand. Lester has entered cowboy poker, been picked, and even walked away a winner. That adventurous spirit carries directly into his jewelry making, where he is never afraid to break away from tradition and create something unexpected.

This handcrafted sterling silver ring showcases Lester’s signature cobblestone inlay style using a collection of hand-cut Arizona turquoise stones. The inlay blends vivid sky blue turquoise with darker matrix filled cuts and softer green tones, creating a mosaic of natural Southwestern color and texture. Each stone is carefully fitted together like a puzzle, giving the ring depth, movement, and unmistakable handmade character.

The sterling silver band is created using traditional tufa casting techniques, leaving behind the rugged organic texture collectors love in Navajo silverwork. The contrast between the rough cast silver and the smooth polished turquoise creates a bold balance that feels both rustic and refined.

Lester’s work reflects the same fearless energy that drives a cowboy to sit at a poker table with a charging bull nearby — independent, daring, and entirely authentic.

Ring Width – 5/8″
Ring Size – 8 1/2
Weight – .485 ozt