Heavy Vintage Solid Silver African Rhino 3-Dimensional Handmade Artisan Ring

Description

This is the perfect ring for the lover of wildlife. This ring will not be found ANYWHERE else within the online resale world. It was purchased in the early '80s in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This ring is through and through SOLID silver. These days, you will find that sterling rings you order are feather light in composition. In other words, you pay arm and limb for a "nice" silver ring, only to find when it arrives that it is flimsy, delicate, fragile, and feels as though you are holding nothing in the palm of your hand. This ring was made back when designers did not shy away from heavy bodied, solid silver jewelry. They were not looking to "cut cost," finding a way to create a design using as little silver as possible, but rather looking to produce something substantial... something that would last year after year, decade after decade. Weighing in at 9 GRAMS - this is not your typical modern day sterling ring.. it is old school in its build, and old school in its meticulous, and HIGHLY detailed handmade design.
This ring was made by an artist operating out of the Santa Fe area in the early '80s. The artist was a sculptor turned silversmith, who often used the "lost wax" method that he used with his brass sculptures of size, to create the same finitely detailed designs on handcrafted rings.
I have seen HUNDREDS of sterling silver wildlife rings on the market, even here on eBay. However, I would challenge you to find a ring that competes with the level of detail shown within the rhino depicted on this ring. Run a basic search for "sterling rhino ring." What you will find, are not really "rhinos," but more "caricatures" or "cartoon-like" depictions of these magnificent creatures. This ring depicts the anatomically accurate broad head, and strong robust shoulders of the African Rhinoceros.
I would like to call your attention to the detail seen within the rhino itself. The rhino's form (despite its ring sized scale) is incredibly well put together. Take the sides of the rhino's face- you can SEE the folds of skin, and the strong, angled bone structure lying just underneath that sterling "skin." The top of the rhino's head is bold, almost flat in parts before bulging out at the forehead between the ears (much like that of the real creatures). The eyes are soft, gentle, peering out at the world around. The mouth is crafted with a deep oxidized groove, giving the beat am aggressive - yet reserved aesthetic. Even the creases in the large, shield like thick skinned shoulders are visible. Again, this is not a "cartoon" resemblance of the real thing, but rather the result of a talented sculptor bringing the real thing to life - in a medium of heavy sterling silver.
This ring is stamped "sterling" on the inside band, as well as "Sb" - which is the artist's unique signature (Uppercase "S", Lowercase "B" The "S" and the "b" are fused together.
This ring weighs 9 grams. This weight comes in the form of solid sterling silver.
The ring is a size 9.5
This ring would make the PERFECT gift for the one in your life who adores all things wild.
A beautiful expression of love to the one who has always been captivated by the beauty of nature.
~If you have any further questions, or would like to see any additional photos, please do not hesitate to reach out in the form of an email. I will get back to you promptly.
~Will ship overseas, but not responsible for any customs fees that might be incurred.