BIL 436 Extra long "statement" ring by Elgin Tom

Elgin Tom: Born in Gallup New Mexico, Elgin learned to silversmith when he was growing up and helped his father and grandfather, both of whom made fine handcrafted jewelry. His grandfather made all his own unique stamps by hand and crafted jewelry using stamp work techniques and bezel set turquoise. Today, Elgin is a fine craftsman and like to create his jewelry using natural turquoise tones. Elgin creates his pieces as he is working on them letting the design evolve as part of the silversmith process. His creations include the traditional stamp work techniques that he learned as a child. Elgin also creates contemporary pieces that are inspired by his own unique creative process as he works with the silver and stones, he selects. Elgin has four children who are learning his family's fine techniques. Sonoran Blue Gold Canyon Turquoise is an interesting turquoise from Senora, Mexico, near Nogales, Arizona, and its neighbor: Nogales, Mexico, which is the northernmost point in all of Mexico. The series of mines bearing this name are on several sites contingent to the American border. Very little hard natural material has been mined here. Most has needed stabilizing to be useful. The high-grade natural material is a medium blue, with darker blue matrix, forming a "birds’ eye" pattern. This is usually accompanied by iron pyrite, giving it a similar look to a high-grade Morenci. The high-grade turquoise from this mine is rare and is considered both esoteric and valuable. Stunning extra long ring by Navajo artist Elgin Tom. Measuring 2"1/2 in length x 1" in width. Set in solid sterling silver and genuine Sonoran gold turquoise. The unique wide shank has stamping all the way around. This is dynamic piece.