Begay, Darryl Dean 18k Gold Ring “Sunburst”

$18,000.00

Darryl Dean Begay · Navajo

18k Gold Tufa Cast Turquoise Ring

This 18k gold turquoise ring by Darryl Dean Begay is cast entirely in gold, from the carved band to the sculpted bezel. At the top, an oval of spiderweb turquoise shifts from deep blue to bright sky blue, crossed by a fine dark matrix. Around the stone, Darryl added a ring of ribbed gold beads that frames it like a sunburst. Below, the band carries a floral design he carved by hand into the tufa mold.

Metal — 18k gold

Stone — Spiderweb turquoise

Stone Size — 1 × 5/8 in.

Overall — 1⅛ × 7/8 in., tapering to 5/16 in.

Ring Size — 7¾

Technique — Tufa cast, hand-carved floral design

An 18k Gold Turquoise Ring with a Sunburst Bezel

The bezel is what sets this piece apart. Instead of a plain gold frame, Darryl shaped a border of rounded, ribbed beads that circle the stone in one continuous row. As a result, the turquoise seems to glow from the center, and the gold catches light from every angle. Meanwhile, a smooth inner bezel holds the stone securely and gives the design a clean edge.

The turquoise itself has strong character. For example, bright blue patches sit inside a dark web of matrix on one side, while deeper blue fills the other. Because of that contrast, the stone looks different each time the ring turns on the hand.

Carved in Stone, Cast in Gold

Darryl made this 18k gold turquoise ring by tufa casting. First, he carved the floral design by hand into a block of soft volcanic stone. Then he poured molten gold into the mold. Consequently, the band carries the natural grain of the tufa, and no other ring will come out exactly the same. The shank tapers from 7/8 in. at the top to 5/16 in. at the back, so it sits comfortably for everyday wear.

Darryl Dean Begay won Best of Show at the 2009 Santa Fe Indian Market and ranks among the leading tufa casters working today. In short, this 18k gold turquoise ring shows his skill in gold at its finest.

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Artist:

Darryl Dean Begay · Navajo

Jeweler & Silversmith  ·  Round Rock, Arizona

Darryl Dean Begay is a Navajo jeweler from Round Rock, Arizona, and one of the leading tufa casters working today. He carves each design by hand into soft volcanic stone, then pours molten silver or gold into the mold, so every piece carries the grain of the stone.

He grew up with his grandparents on the Navajo Nation. His grandfather was a hataalii, or medicine man, and his grandmother a medicine woman who knew the Blessingway ceremony. His uncle Bobby Begay taught him tufa casting in 1997, and the jeweler Raymond C. Yazzie later mentored him in metalsmithing and corn row inlay.

“I wish to show my culture like a historian through my art.”

— Darryl Dean Begay

In 2009 he won Best of Show at the Santa Fe Indian Market for “Return From the Long Walk,” a tufa cast silver concho belt made as a tribute to his grandmothers. He works in sterling silver and 18k gold, and he sets his pieces with high-grade natural turquoise, with Lone Mountain a favorite.

See all work by Darryl Dean Begay →

 

Ring Sizing Guide: How to Measure Your Ring Size Accurately

Ring Sizing Guide – How to Measure Your Ring Size Accurately

Finding the right ring size is essential when purchasing fine, handmade jewelry, especially one-of-a-kind pieces that may not be resizable. Use this simple guide to measure your ring size at home and shop with confidence at Faust Gallery.

How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

You can determine your ring size in a few easy ways using common items or by measuring a ring you already own.

Option 1: Measure Your Finger with a Strip of Paper or String

What you’ll need: a thin strip of paper, a ruler (millimeters), and a pen.

  1. Wrap the paper around the base of the finger where you’ll wear the ring.
  2. Mark the point where the ends overlap.
  3. Measure the length (in millimeters) with a ruler—this is your finger’s circumference.
  4. Use the chart below to find your U.S. ring size.

Tip: The paper should fit snugly but still be able to slide over your knuckle.

Option 2: Measure a Ring That Fits You

What you’ll need: a ring that fits the intended finger and a millimeter ruler or caliper.

  1. Place the ring on a flat surface.
  2. Measure the inside diameter straight across the center in millimeters.
  3. Compare that number to the chart below.

U.S. Ring Size Conversion Chart

Inside Diameter (mm) Inside Circumference (mm) U.S. Ring Size
14.8 46.5 4
15.7 49.3 5
16.5 51.8 6
17.3 54.4 7
18.1 57.0 8
19.0 59.5 9
19.8 62.1 10
20.6 64.6 11
21.4 67.2 12

✔️ Chart verified against standard U.S. jewelry industry sizing measurements.

Ring Sizing Tips for the Best Fit

  • Measure at the end of the day – your fingers naturally swell and shrink.
  • Avoid measuring cold hands – cold temperatures cause fingers to contract.
  • Wider bands fit more snugly – consider sizing up ¼ to ½ size for rings wider than 6mm.
  • Your dominant hand may be larger – double-check if you’re switching hands.
  •  If you’re in between sizes, it’s safer to go up a half size.

Can Rings Be Resized?

Many of the rings at Faust Gallery are handmade by renowned Native American and contemporary jewelers using inlay, stone settings, or tufa cast techniques. Some of the designs are often not resizable due to their intricate construction. We always recommend measuring accurately before purchasing.

Need Help Finding Your Ring Size?

We’re happy to assist.

  • Email us at sales@faustgallery.com
  •  Visit us in person at our Scottsdale, AZ, or Santa Fe, NM, locations
  •  Request a complimentary plastic ring sizer – we’ll ship one to you

Shop with Confidence

Faust Gallery specializes in museum-quality jewelry where precision and craftsmanship matter. Our goal is to ensure your ring fits perfectly and lasts a lifetime.