Born in 1949, Oscar Alexius is a renowned and prolific Navajo silversmith who makes all kinds of jewelry; bracelets, rings, earrings, pins, pendants, etc. He is also a rodeo bull rider who makes less silver during rodeo season as he is busy traveling on the regional rodeo circuit.

This "big rock" ring has a unique-shaped stone of stabilized Turquoise Mountain turquoise as its centerpiece. The stabilization process has hardened this stone and rendered it "color fast" so that it's hue will not change over time. This ring is ideal for someone who wants this type of large, exposed stone but who will wear this ring constantly and needs the added protection against cracking and breakage that the stabilization process lends this stone. This stone is done in a "Zuni cut," meaning that it has a sculpted irregular surface where portions of rock were carved away to expose the expanse of turquoise. 

Oscar's most recent hallmark consists of his full name "Oscar Alexius" in script, but occasionally he still stamps his pieces with his old hallmark "O.A." This piece is hallmarked with his full name and stamped "Sterling" inside on the ring back. Oscar is listed on page 59 in the recently-published book American Indian Jewelry: 1200 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

Ring face: 1 1/4" x 1 1/8"          Stone: 1 1/16" x 7/8"         Size: 8 3/4