Hi, I’m new here & collect vintage NA turquoise rings and am trying to get more information on this beautiful ring. It was given to me years ago but just way too large for my hand (it’s 2.5" L, 1.25" W). The hallmark says B. Yazzie but I can’t find any info on it. I’m thinking of selling it and wanted to find a value for it. Any help is greatly appreciated.
3 Likes
I had no luck finding the hallmark in my hallmark book, but there was this on the Amerindian site.
It does have a Zuni look, but Yazzie is a Navajo last name, so 
Most of us on here aren’t appraisers, and aren’t comfortable giving you a dollar amount. Your best bet is to Google similar rings online, and see what they sold for.
Welcome to Turquoise People!
1 Like
Thank you, I was more interested in finding out more info about the ring. I googled the hallmark & saw the info on the Amerindian site but it didn’t give any info other than B. Yazzie. I’ve read the Yazzie family are prominent family of silversmiths, just was curious who the artist was and whether it’s vintage or a newer design. I appreciate the information!
I could not find it in Hougart’s book which is one of the most thorough. Yazzie is a very common Navajo name so not necessarily the same family. I believe there are a couple people on here who have a book about the well known Yazzie artist family, but I would think if this artist was one of them the hallmark would be in Hougart’s. There’s a couple people here that have the book about them, so maybe they can check. But, as I’m sure you know, some artists are never figured out.
I would guess your ring is most likely Navajo made not Zuni. Often Sleeping Beauty turquoise was used in this kind of work, but I don’t know for sure. I can’t tell if I see any color change in the stones which would indicate natural turquoise. Hopefully some others will jump in.
Age wise, I’m not sure. Doesn’t look particularly old to me, but I’m no expert on that. Again, maybe some other members will have some thoughts.
2 Likes
I reworded my last response; I saw you were asking about age and artist. I’m trying to multitask, and didn’t read your question very thoroughly 
1 Like
Thank you for the information! The ring is beautiful but rather large and just sitting in my jewelry box, I was thinking of selling it and just wanted to find out more about it, my mother in law gave it to me, she bought it in New Mexico many years ago and told me it was vintage. I assumed it was Zuni by the needlepoint design but I’m not very knowledgeable on it. When I started researching the hallmark and the Yazzie family name kept popping up, I just wanted to get more information in case I do sell it and don’t want to give out any false info.
Zuni and Navajo work can be confusing to figure out. We often assume Zuni when we see needle point, but Navajo sometimes do work in this style. I’m assuming due to the last name it’s Navajo.
4 Likes
Hi,
Yes, as @Ziacat notes, the Yazzie name is quite common among the Dine. The Yazzie family that you may be encountering in jewelry research is from Gallup and acclaimed for their high-end, skilled inlay, often in precious metals. Unrelated to the traditional, Zuni-style needlework in your nice ring.
A link on a museum exhibit of the other Yazzies’ artistry:
https://artssummary.com/2015/01/24/glittering-world-navajo-jewelry-of-the-yazzie-family-at-national-museum-of-the-american-indian-smithsonian-institution-new-york-through-january-11-2016/
4 Likes
Thank you, I appreciate the response!
similar rings priced at link
3 Likes