A sterling silver handmade ring with large center Concho design. This is a beautiful example of Native sterling silver at hits best. This piece is quite contemporary in its production, perhaps having been made in the last ten to fifteen years, but it is a great example of all the beautiful techniques, and quality of the vastly talented Native American artisans. The large center piece is designed in the form of a "Concho" motif. The word Concho, or Concha, derives from the Spanish for shell. The first phase pieces were made from melted coins and resembled shells, and so this is thought to be where the name originated. This motif is perhaps best known from the iconic belts worn by member of mainly the Navajo, Zuni and Hopi tribes. These designs of the early belts were heavily influenced by the Spanish and Mexican hardware found on the bridal hardware from the 1700 and 1800's The ring is marked both "sterling" and signed with the makers mark "Derrick" stamped into the inside of the shank. Derrick Gordon is a second generation silversmith having been taught by his famous uncle; Delbert Gordon. He began creating jewelry in 1990 at the age of just nineteen. He has become known for his excellent repoussé sterling silver jewelry. Repoussé is a technique where silver is pushed from behind to form a raised design. He adds hand stamping to his pieces and oxidizes the silver to bring out the fine detail. He narrows the backs of his wide bands so they fit comfortably. Derrick is known for his attention to detail and high standards of quality. The ring is a size 12.5. This ring can be sized to any required size via the back.
