Handmade Navajo Persian Turquoise Ring - John Begay Jr. (#061)

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In the Southwest, we tend to take turquoise for granted, yet it has been labeled the “Gemstone of the Centuries”. Over 7,500 years ago, slave convoys were sent into the Sinai Peninsula to pluck pieces of the blue gem from the rocks where it had formed. In ancient Egypt, turquoise was believed to have mystical powers and appeared in amulets and talisman representing their gods Amum and Isis. A gold and carved turquoise bracelet was found on the mummified arm of Queen Zer, a ruler during the first dynasty of Egyptian pharaohs. The four bracelets found in her burial are the earliest known examples of precious metal jewelry.

The Middle East emerged as the great purveyor of turquoise, supplying the ancient Egyptians, Nubians, Greeks and Romans. It is believed the name was derived from the French word, Turquie, a reference to the Turkish traders first bringing the rich blue stones to the European continent. It was assumed that the brilliant blue and green stones originated in Turkey when, in fact, they were most likely extracted from mines in the Sinai Peninsula and the Alimersai Mountain in Persia (Iran).

About the artist:

John Begay Jr. - Navajo Silversmith:
A quietly modest and unassuming man, John Begay Jr. does not personally sign his work. Instead he uses the Monsterslayer hallmark - a mythical being from Navajo legend- as his signature. Being a silver smith is John's chosen profession, something he has had to work at. He has been working at it for a quarter century and his jewelry reflect his experience and his love for his art. Each piece is uniquely his. One does not need to see the Monster Slayer hallmark to recognize John's unique style and excellent craftsmanship, his pieces speak for themselves. See full biography | See all items by John Begay, Jr.

Related categories:

Navajo Turquoise Rings See all items in this category
Persian Turquoise Jewelry See all items in this category

Related legends:

Silversmithing
When and how the Navaho acquired the art of working metals is unknown but there are reasons for supposing that it was introduced among them, or at least more developed and improved upon by them, since the time they have occupied their present country? More about this legend

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Certificate of Authenticity

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