Birdseye Kingman Turquoise Square Stamped Ring by Ruth Ann Begay

Flanked by seven silver beads on each side, this rectangular piece of Birdseye Kingman turquoise is proudly perched within a meticulously-stamped sterling silver border. Its classic design features clean, simple lines, richly patinaed details, and a two-pronged band. Signed with the artist's hallmark, this masterfully-crafted piece of wearable art is a timeless accessory crafted with stunning detail.

Birdseye Turquoise is a term that describes turquoise that is somewhat similar to spiderweb turquoise in that it is made of an aggregate of many small nuggets but instead of a dark matrix like spiderweb, Birdseye Turquoise is light blue turquoise with a darker blue turquoise matrix. The result when the stones are polished or cross cut and polished is that there are many small areas of lighter blue stone encircled by darker blue matrix like a bird’s eye, thus "Birdseye Turquoise." Sometimes it is referred to as “water web” turquoise. Although the term refers to turquoise from any mine that looks like this, there are only a handful of mines that produce Birdseye Turquoise – namely Turquoise Mountain, Kingman, and Morenci.

The Kingman Turquoise Mine is one of the oldest and highest producing Turquoise Mines in America. It was originally discovered by prehistoric Indians well over 1000 years ago. Kingman Turquoise is known for its beautiful bright blue color and produces many variations of blue turquoise.

• Size 7
• Dimensions: 13/16" across, 7/8" high, 1" deep
• Hallmarks: Ruth Ann Begay, Sterling

With information from Native American Jewelry Tips.