This Contemporary coral and sterling silver tufa cast ring was handmade by John Hornbek, owner of Red Shell Jewelry & Cash Pawn Shop on Rt. 66 in Gallup, New Mexico. John has dealt in the Native American jewelry & pawn shop business for over 40 years. John is quite a colorful character. Although not Native, he is an accomplished southwestern silversmith in his own right. I am told that John learned his tufa casting skills from working with famed Hopi silversmith Preston Monongye back in the 1960/70's.
Tufa-casting is an old Navajo technique where the impression of the ring is carved in volcanic stone (tufa-stone) and the molten silver is poured into the impression.
The face of the ring measures 1-3/8 by 7/8 and the ring weighs 13.7 grams. Size 5-1/2 only.
Brand new and in perfect condition. Gift Box and Certificate of Authenticity included. Hallmarked by and purchased directly in person from the artist, John Hornbek.