RESERVEDF FOR RIDHA!!

THE ARTIST:

Gallup based Navajo artist Wilbert Manning doesn't just create jewelry, but creates "Fine" Navajo jewelry & I mean that literally... Considered one of the best out of a some that have actually mastered the technique of mosaic inlay cornrow & or cobblestone work, Wilbert takes this technique to a level few have achieved.

Working in both gold AND sterling, he gives us 'all things tribal' that he then incorporates into his impeccably made jewelry by giving us both Navajo & Zuni depictions as if we're right on the reservation.. Many times you'll see Navajo Yei figures, as well as other Kachinas that are beautifully mastered in his designs, storyteller designs mastered in stone, his wide use of using the Zuni Sunface, rainbows, bears, eagles and southwestern landscapes.

Wilbert is the teacher to many up & coming artists that lean on him for their technical inspirations. One thing that can't NEVER be said by those of us that know Wilbert's work, is that he's a 'mediocre' artist.

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THE RING:

Artistically created for the 'manly-man' there are 2 focal points that dominate this ring..1 is the Zuni Sunface & 2 is the precise lapidary work that is witnessed through out.

The Sunface is done in turquoise,coral,lapis,onyx.. White mother of pearl is then used for a shimmery effect. Wrapped on both the left & right side of the face are graduated cuts of Italian red Coral that get smaller as they lead to the turquoise feather headdress, that are topped off with cuts of Lapis. The cobblestone cuts of Coral are beautifully beveled around their entire perimeter as they sit tightly packed together.

In the very center below the Sunface are extremely small slivers of black Onyx, turquoise & a cut of REAL Australian Opal in the center.. This pattern is actually what separates one coral side from the other (See photo 6)

If you zoom in on photos 3 & 4,you'll see how on the left side of the Zuni Sunface (As shown in photos) there are cobblestone cuts that lay on a diagonal as they head to the top where this side ends in a Lapis cut.. In photo 5,the graduating in size cuts, are all Coral & also lay on a diagonal.

The cuts are mosaic inlaid into the "reptilian" looking ring. The shank itself is plain & has a 1/4" width.

**Wilbert is a "Collector's" Artist.His jewelry are pieces of art that are made with time consuming techniques & are "Keepsake" pieces.