Authentic Signed Ted Ott Vintage Southwestern Opal Sterlng Silver Ring

What makes this ring authentic? Because "Sterling" is written out in full, alongside a copyright symbol which is what actually confirms that this is an authentic piece by Ted Ott. Although uncommon for Native American silver carvers to use copyright stamps, Mr. Ott registered his signature designs to protect them from mass-produced commercial replication at the time he operated his workshop and store, The Otter's Nook. Pieces that are explicitly marked Sterling © OTT are well-documented among collectors of his 1970s through 1990s collections. This ring was likely from the late 1980s to 1990s and features a simulated, lab-created opal often referred to in jewelry production as a Gilson opal.

Gemstone: Gilson opals are less fragile than natural mined opals which can crack and dry out over time. The visual of this perfectly round-shaped stone, the uniformity of the white background and exceptionally tight, pixelated block-like patterns of color flash (the "fire") are distinct characteristics of synthetic stones. A collector's dream. Size 8