Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

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zevsmum85
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2011 12:01 am

Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by zevsmum85 »

Hello, my grandmother gave me this ring about 20 years ago. They adopted my mother (who is full-blooded) Navajo from the reservation when she was four. They spent much of their lives working on and just off the reservations doing construction work for the tribe. I'm not sure where she got the ring or how old it is. I can't find the mark anywhere, but just looking for a little history. She passed away about 10 years ago. Thanks!

http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe/l= ... %22%3A5%7D
dognose
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Re: Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by dognose »

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Your images are password sensitive and cannot be seen be others.

http://www.tinypic.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is recommended.

Trev.
zevsmum85
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2011 12:01 am

Re: Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by zevsmum85 »

Doh! Thank you, didn't realize that. We'll try the link again. Thank you!

http://i56.tinypic.com/j13w3c.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/33ylvts.jpg

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dognose
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Posts: 59007
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Location: England

Re: Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by dognose »

Hi,

It appears to be the mark of the Bell Trading Post. See: http://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_B2.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't recall seeing it struck in reverse before, hopefully another member will confirm/deny.

Also, see this post: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 14&t=25001" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Trev.
ValkyrieVixen
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Re: Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by ValkyrieVixen »

Definitely looks to be Bell Trading so not Native American made.
silverly
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Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Re: Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by silverly »

Bell Trading Company, Maisel's and others did sell Native American made items. However, if my understanding is correct, your piece simply has a Bell Trading Company retailers mark, so there is no assurance that is actually Native American, nor can it be said for certain that it is not. I'll wait to hear and learn otherwise.
ValkyrieVixen
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Re: Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by ValkyrieVixen »

Most of what they sold was factory made then assembled by workers, some of who may have been Native American. I've seen that design for sale numerous times so seems to be mass produced.
zevsmum85
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2011 12:01 am

Re: Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

Post by zevsmum85 »

Thanks everyone! At least I have an idea of the origin. I thought it might be Bell, but where it was the reverse of what I have seen it was a little confusing. I love the site though, great resource. I will definitely recommend in the future.
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