Turquoise and Coral Inlay Ring by Lester James (Navajo)

Turquoise & Mediterranean Coral | Sterling Silver

Fifty years ago, if you came across a piece of inlay jewelry in the Southwest, there was a good chance it had been created by a Zuni artist. Many collectors believed the art form belonged almost exclusively to Zuni silversmiths, partly because Zuni communities had access to electricity earlier than many remote areas of the Navajo Nation. Electric grinding wheels allowed artists to shape and polish intricate stone inlay, while many Navajo silversmiths focused on traditional cabochon turquoise work.

Today, inlay is no longer defined by tribe, but instead by the creativity and craftsmanship of the individual artist. Navajo silversmith Lester James blends traditional Navajo silverwork with finely detailed stone inlay to create jewelry that feels both classic and uniquely his own.

This handcrafted sterling silver ring features a comfortable tapered tufa cast band filled with a carefully arranged mosaic of turquoise and Mediterranean Coral. Lester precisely cut and fit fourteen individual stones together, creating a striking puzzle-like design full of rich Southwestern color and texture. The vivid blue turquoise contrasts beautifully against the deep red coral, while the rugged tufa cast silver gives the ring an earthy handmade character collectors appreciate.

The balance between the rough organic silver and the precise stone inlay highlights Lester’s skill as a silversmith. It is a ring that honors traditional Southwestern jewelry while showcasing the evolution of Native American inlay artistry.

Ring Width – 5/8″
Ring Size – 7 1/2
Weight – .450 ozt