Orange spiny oyster shell heart ring

Handcrafted ring by Navajo Happy Piasso. The unique ring features a large heart surrounded by round star stamps and twist wire. The heart shaped shell is raised slightly above the mounting giving this ring a stong presence. The ring shank is wide and flat with 3-lines down the center. It has a medium weight and is easy to wear. If you love hearts, then this may be the ring for you !

Material: Sterling silver & Orange Spiny Oyster shell

Tribe affiliation: Navajo

Time period: current 

Mounting measurements :1-1/8" x 1-1/8"

Artist:  Happy Piaso, Navajo, is 40 years old (2014) and is married to Rudie Willie. She was born and raised in Alamo, New Mexico and has 2 children, one of which is in the military. Happy was taught the craft of silversmithing by her husband, Rudie.

Shell: Spiny Oyster Shell ;Living Spondylus shells are, indeed, very spiny, but the polished product looks very smooth the most used Spondylid Bivalve shell colors include orange, reds, and purples and may include distinct striations and color variations. In the American Oceans, the Spondylids occur along the North American coasts, as far north as North Carolina, on the Atlantic Coast, and northwestern Mexico.