Begay, Darryl Dean Sterling & 18k Gold Ring “Lone Mountain”

$11,000.00

Darryl Dean Begay · Navajo

Lone Mountain Turquoise Tufa Cast Ring

This Lone Mountain turquoise ring by Darryl Dean Begay pairs a gem-quality stone with a hand-carved, tufa cast sterling silver band. Darryl set the long oval stone in a solid 18k gold bezel, so warm gold frames the bright blue and its fine spiderweb matrix. Below the stone, the shank tapers toward the back of the finger. In addition, its surface carries the natural grain of the tufa mold.

Metal — Sterling silver with 18k gold bezel

Stone — Gem-quality Lone Mountain turquoise

Stone Size — 1⅛ × 9/16 in.

Overall — 1 7/16 × 5/8 in., tapering to ¼ in.

Ring Size — 7½

Technique — Tufa cast, hand-carved flower design

A Lone Mountain Turquoise Ring in Gold and Silver

Lone Mountain turquoise comes from Nevada, and collectors rank it among the finest American turquoise. They prize it for its clear blue color and its fine spiderweb matrix. This stone shows both. In fact, a tight web of gold and brown lines runs across the whole surface, while the high dome gives the blue real depth. Because the stone is gem quality, it takes a high polish and keeps its bright color.

Tufa Casting and a Carved Flower Design

Tufa casting starts with a block of tufa, a soft volcanic stone. First, Darryl carves the design by hand into the stone. Then he pours molten silver into the mold. As a result, every piece carries the texture of the stone itself, and no two casts come out the same. On this Lone Mountain turquoise ring, he carved a flower design into the shank. Afterward, he darkened the recessed lines, so the petals stand out in bright silver against dark outlines.

Darryl Dean Begay is a Navajo jeweler whose tufa cast work combines clean design with fine stones. Here, carved silver, 18k gold, and top-grade turquoise come together in one bold piece. Also, the ring sits high on the finger, while the tapered shank keeps it comfortable for everyday wear. In short, this Lone Mountain turquoise ring shows three materials, each at its best.

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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.