Throughout history men have worn men’s rings as a status symbol, a commitment to love, and to reflect one’s own personal style. Native American tribes did not typically smelt metal for jewelry; therefore, men’s rings, including men’s Sterling silver rings, Navajo Wedding Bands, and men’s turquoise rings, were not an ancient custom for many native peoples. Jewelry and adornments have always been popular for ceremonial purposes, so it is a natural extension then to incorporate native symbolism for men’s rings which include wedding bands. Symbolism includes tribal distinctions, geographic elements, and personal symbols to make the rings especially meaningful and to honor an individual’s heritage and cultural connections.
Pure silver is rarely used to create jewelry because it is too soft; therefore, sterling silver alloys are used that contain 7.5 percent of a stronger metal for added strength and durability. Usually, copper is added to silver, which does not affect silver’s distinctive blue-white color. High quality silver is stamped with a fineness mark inside the men’s ring band, which is similar to the stamping of a karat designation on high quality gold.
Silver has been compared to other white metals, such as white gold and platinum, which are used to create men’s rings. Unlike other white metals, silver is more affordable, and over time, it can develop a gentle patina that adds character to the piece.
Men’s rings come in a variety of styles and traditional or contemporary designs, and may be authentic or non-authentic. The Inlaid Turquoise Sterling Silver Indian Chief Ring has hand cut, inlaid pieces of Turquoise, Coral, Jet, and Pearl adorning the Sterling Silver mighty face of a Native American Chief, and is not made by Native Americans. The handcrafted Native American Sterling Silver and Gold Eagle is a man’s ring that features a lost wax image of an eagle, and it is authentic. Another popular piece of Native American jewelry is the Men’s Sterling Silver Bear Paw ring featuring a Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cabochon set in the center of an overlaid bear paw design, and symbolizing strength.
Many of the men’s rings are created with semi-precious stones that include Turquoise Cabochons, Turquoise Nuggets, Coral, Inlaid Turquoise, Opal, Jet, Carved Lapis, Onyx, and Mother of Pearl. The collection of men’s rings includes artists from the Zuni and Navajo tribes.
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