Need help with ID on Turquoise Ring

[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=en_US/p/dasta/Main/AlbumID=3983460002/a=15651257/invalidateAlbumCache=true/s_c=20/s_otsc=SYE/s_otsi=SANR/s_ev20=ShareeNewReg_30FreePrints_2010Feb/s_ru=FALSE/s_se=FDR/s_cmpg=ShareeNewReg_30FreePrints_2010Feb#ss=%7B%22uc%22%3A2%2C%22aid%22%3A3983460002%2C%22vp%22%3A%22g%22%2C%22sb%22%3A5%7D

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

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

http://www.tinypic.com is recommended.

Trev.

[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

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )
(Remember to use the preview button)

[dognose]

Hi,

It appears to be the mark of the Bell Trading Post. See: http://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_B2.html

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

Also, see this post: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=25001

Trev.

[ValkyrieVixen]

Definitely looks to be Bell Trading so not Native American made.

[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]

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]

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.