Zuni jeweler, Johnson Laweka, set natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise in sterling silver. The setting is channel inlay - more about that below. Stamped "JL" inside.

Size: 6.5 - Band width .5", narrows to .125

Channel inlay jewelry is a process used extensively by Native American jewelers, particularly those in Zuni Pueblo. Many other talented jewelers from other tribes in the Southwest also make channel inlay jewelry. The metal channel, usually silver, is soldered onto the back to create the design. Afterward, the stones are cut to fit into each section. It is an exacting process which shows in the beauty of the work of the finished piece(s).