Pawn Jewelry- large Navajo oval spiny oyster shell ring

Navajo handcrafted ring. The unique ring features a large oval spiny oyster shell surrounded by round twist & bead  wire. The detailed setting shows off the large shell perfectly and makes quite a statement. The adjustable ring shank is made of 1/2 round wire with detialed stamping. It has a medium weight with a great feel. 

 It comes attached to its original red pawn ticket.The term "pawn" refers to jewelry that has been pawned to brokers. The practice of pawning jewelry began in the early 1900s when Native Americans and traders would exchange jewelry for food and other necessities, it is still used today and is embedded in the Navajo culture. 

Material: Sterling silver & Spiny oystershell

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current 

Mounting measurements :2" x 1-1/4"