Posted 8 years ago
llvanina
(8 items)
Can anyone tell me anything about this ring? Who do the initials RL belong to? What tribe or artist? The ring is big. The size may be 10-11. The longest side is about 1 1/4". The stone is an odd shape and more green than blue. It belonged to my grandmother.
Thank you for any help!
There are several Native American artisans with those initials but I didn't find any that use that style of signing. Perhaps someone else may know. Nice ring. :)
Thank you. I didn't know it had the initials until I cleaned it!
"Sterling" and the mark "RL", this mark belongs to Robert Livingston, Navajo Artisan active until the late 50's.
Thank you dizzy date. You sound like you know your stuff. I'm seeing a lot of Livingstons. Are they related by any chance?
Possible, Artisian Artist run in the same families especially Native Americans
Would be interesting to see a piece of his engraved with initials like this ring.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Navajo-Turquoise-Sterling-Silver-Ring-Signed-by-RL-Robert-Livingston-/181233487173
http://www.joemilo.com/resources/hallmarks/
Thanks!
Is the word "Sterling" stamped anywhere?
I doubt that your ring is by Rob Livingston. His signature is capital block letters, not pinpoint script. You can find examples here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Signed-Navajo-Rob-Livingston-Large-Sterling-and-Black-Onyx-Pendant-NICE-/331848819015?hash=item4d43bb2147:g:nmIAAOSwRH5XK2a9
Also here:
http://www.art-amerindien.com/signature_indian_native_marks_mz.htm#r
Robert Livingston is not the same person as Rob Livingston. This is a piece by Robert Livingston, who uses a totally different mark for his jewelry:
https://chacodog.com/RobertLivingstonKingmanTurquioseNajaPendant_NPP-RLV001.php
Earlier pieces where marked with RL. After He became more recognized He went stamped mark.
Ok now I'm really confused.
To answer Efesgirl it is not marked sterling but I'm sure it is.
Yes, I am also sure it's sterling ring. I just cannot find any evidence of that particular mark on your ring belonging to Robert Livingston. All the pieces I did find carry the 'RL Sterling" stamp.
This is another Robert Livingston piece, also marked "RL Sterling".
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Giant-Navajo-Robert-Livingston-Turquoise-Cluster-Cuff-Bracelet-Sterling-Silver-/380584544073
Now, THIS one is signed 'RL" (unidentifed) in pinpoint script but does not match the script initials on your ring:
http://www.mariasvintage.com/products/vintage-sterling-silver-navajo-turquoise-old-pawn-cuff-bracelet-signed-rl-6-5-29-22-grams
Here is some more information on Native American silver marks: "RL" also appears here as Robert Livingston.
http://tskies.com/native-hallmarks/nggallery/native-american-hallmarks/r-hallmarks
I'm afraid the maker of your ring will be an unknown until another piece of jewelry with the same mark w/a name attached to it is found.
Hi Efesgirl. First thanks for all your help.
The last link you sent has a hallmark for Rob Livingston but isn't there also a Robert Livingston?
The bracelet with the initials is interesting but it doesn't look like the same artist to me which is I think what you're saying. Unless the bracelet is a newer piece?
Does anyone know a place in San Francisco or the greater Bay Area where I might go to have this checked out?
Thanks everyone!
Agree with Efesgirl, that loosey-goosey script RL is one I haven't come across, and while it's possible it might belong to either Rob or Robert Livingston, I'd want to see either matching jewelry pieces or a matching signature. As for where you can get more information in San Francisco, I personally have no clue. However, you should be able to reach out to any number of sites that sell Native American jewelry and ask for help, they generally will answer emails. Good luck! :)
Yes, there is a Robert Livingston and a Rob Livingston, neither of which I believe crafted your ring. You'd have to check the SF and Bay areas for shops or jewelers which specialize in Navajo artisan jewelry. However, if the silversmith of your ring is not a registered artisan then you will never find out who made it.