Persian Turquoise Tufa Cast Ring - Size 10

Natural Persian turquoise is some of the most sought after turquoise in the world. This larger oval Persian turquoise is a deep teal/turquoise color and has flecks of golden pyrite in it. Stunning and made by award-winning Yaqui jeweler Michael Horse who set it in a sawtooth bezel. The band is tufa cast (more on the tufa cast process and Michael Horse below) and has two stamped sunrises on each side of the band. Signed inside the band.

Size: 10 - Stone setting 1.25" H x .75" W

Michael Horse is an award-winning Yaqui jeweler who uses high quality stones in his work including natural high-grade turquoise, coral, lapis and more.  He is most well-known for the intricate katsinas he fabricates in his studio, and he is a master tufa carver.  He is also an award-winning ledger painter and actor with many roles in television and film.  Many people recognize him from his role as Deputy Hawk in the ground breaking Twin Peaks television series.

Tufa Cast Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again.