Here's a gorgeous vintage Native American ~ Zuni ~ handcrafted silver Dishta style ring with genuine turquoise inlay. The flush set turquoise inlay is the color of a bright blue New Mexico sky. Elaborate design of Dishta style flush turquoise inlay accented with twisted silver rope and silver beads.

The face of the ring measure 1-1/2 inch long by 5/8 inch wide. It is a size 5 and weighs 8.2 grams. The ring is unmarked for silver content but has been tested and is coin silver or better. Hallmarked "M & R" in script with an engraver. Excellent condition. circa 1960's.

According to historian Gregory Schaaf, who I contacted about the ring, the M&R hallmark is Milburn & Rosemary Lidase. They have small profiles in his new book, Vol. 8 - 'American Indian Jewelry II. However, "Hallmarks of the Southwest" by Barton Wright attributes the M&R hallmark to Mathew and Rosemary Lidase. I'm thinking the Lidases must be members of the Dishta family, but I haven't found the connection yet. This is the classic Dishta look, and this ring came from a private collection of a women who had a number of fine vintage pieces with good provenance. Check out the matching bracelet we are currently selling by the same artists. (Shown below in the last photo - see item#8002)

The flush inlay of small round turquoise pieces is characteristic of the Dishta family of Zuni pueblo. Starting with Frank Dishta, the Dishta family of artisans developed this distinctive style of turquoise inlay jewelry.