Three big turquoise nuggets in a row, each in its own bezel, with silver raindrops tucked in between. Turn it sideways and the sides are hand-stamped too, so it looks good from every angle, including the one your friends see when you're gesturing wildly.
It's stamped "Platero" inside in individual letter punches (see photo 8). Platero is a well-known family of Navajo silversmiths, going back to Pablo Platero. From the style of the stamp (the lowercase l and the offset "ero"), I believe this was made by Ramon Platero or his wife, Louise, but there's no first initial, so I can't say which. It came to me in a local lot of old pawn jewelry.
Maker: Platero family (Navajo/Diné), stamped "Platero"
Stones: three turquoise nuggets
Metal: sterling silver, hand-stamped. It isn't marked sterling (common with old pawn), but tested as sterling.
Weight: about 25 g
Inside: about 2⅜" across, with a gap of about 1¼", inner circumference of 5"
Condition: pre-owned
Platero family hallmarks are documented in Hougart, Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks
Care: wipe with a soft cloth. Keep turquoise away from water, lotions and silver dips; it's porous and can change color.
