The single scariest truth for collectors of historic era jewelry.
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My Navajo stoplight ring is a bit different (and I’m wondering if it is later, like '80s). I bought it in the early '90s at a wonderful shop in Flag that only dealt in pawn from the local Natives. I’m sure the owner told me more about it, but I really didn’t know a lot then, especially about turquoise mines. I always loved the little stones, but never really knew what they were, till a about a decade ago I looked at the receipt again (the store was very good about printing out receipts with typed up info). And what do you know, it says Bisbee.
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they responded to more than just you with that “youve got more learning to do” comment. what a shitty thing to say.
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I’m sorry that you received a harsh , and in my opinion somewhat shaming response.
Keep on guessing and offering your opinions and asking questions and seeking answers.
For 45 years I was a NA dealer ( now retired) specializing in Northwest Coast, Eastern Woodlands , Plains and Prairie material.
I had to take a stand ( internally at least ), and often a risk in order stay in business. This made me vulnerable to my own beliefs and the opinion of others. And yet it had to be done and believe me over all those decades I could have filled a museum with mis-calculations and mistakes. But fear be damned, I learned so much in the process.
I affirm you for taking a stand and in doing so learning so much more.
August
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Thank you for sharing, @August, your exceptionally well composed and inspiring thoughts. 
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Thanks @Ravenscry !
I appreciate your kind words and hope you have a great week.
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@Jemez2 @August Thank you both for your considerate comments. It can be tricky commenting in online environments. You really never know what kind of response(s) you’ll get from others, lol. I won’t let that deter me, though. I’ve been passionate about jewelry my whole life and am aware there’s always something new to learn. That’s half the fun! (The other half is buying it.
)
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This is why I just love this group. What a wealth of knowledge and gentle teaching without shaming.
I’m sorry @Patina got such a smackdown in the group where you offered your opinion. As we saw from the subsequent examples, that style of ring is not completely unheard of in older pieces, and newer pieces incorporate some of the older elements.
I agree with the others who said that it’s likely not as old as what the other group is claiming; I know that I am no kind of expert at all, but it just seems a little too finely cut and even to me. And it doesn’t have the wear that you’d expect for a piece of that age. I don’tt hink it’s as recent as '70s, but thinking more 1950s maybe? As to whether or not it is native made or not, I couldn’t really say.
I know that I have certainly posted some pieces on this group that " experts" said were older, and this group patiently pointed out various elements that those supposed experts had no clue about.
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Good for you @Patina! Your opinion is based on your experience. We all have had differing experiences with NA jewelry and have been influenced by individuals who themselves gain opinions and expertise over the years. And, experts are only giving educated guesses, it’s up to us whether or not to believe them. That’s the joy of sharing our knowledge and opinions; this group offers thoughts, in a friendly helpful way, that hopefully make us think and sometimes change our opinions…I also love this group!
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