Cobblestone Turquoise Inlay Ring by Lester James (Navajo)

Arizona Turquoise | Sterling Silver

Navajo silversmith Lester James has always enjoyed making this style of inlay ring. One reason is practical — after completing larger inlay projects, Lester is often left with small cuts of turquoise that are too beautiful to waste. Rather than setting aside those pieces, he carefully combines them into unique handmade designs where every stone adds its own character and color.

This handcrafted sterling silver ring features a traditional cobblestone inlay design using a combination of Arizona turquoise cuts. Lester blends vivid pure blue stones with darker matrix filled turquoise and softer green cuts, creating a natural Southwestern color palette full of depth and variation. The puzzle-like arrangement gives the ring movement and texture while highlighting the individuality of each stone.

The sterling silver band is created using traditional tufa casting techniques, giving the ring an organic rugged finish collectors appreciate in handmade Navajo jewelry. The textured silver surface contrasts beautifully against the smooth polished turquoise, creating a piece that feels both earthy and refined.

Cobblestone inlay rings like this capture the creativity of modern Navajo silversmithing while honoring traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. No two rings are ever exactly alike, making each one a wearable piece of Southwestern artistry.

Ring Width – 9/16″
Ring Size – 9 3/4
Weight – .415 ozt