Alternate Views 
“Spring Ring”
by Benson Manygoats, Navajo
Description: Handcrafted ring made from 14K gold sheets and wire. It is inlaid with natural precious stones: Australian opal, lapis, red coral, Sleeping Beauty turquoise and malachite.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in jewelry.
Jurors’ Comments:
Alex Beeshligaii: I like this because he uses not only regular lapidary and different materials, but the framing of it also, by using his metalsmithing skill, then inlay it, then slide on…to assemble the way he did this is really cool. It’s kinda ornate but I like the way the inlay is done and how it all came together in a balanced way.
Barbara Ornelas: I really like this too. I don’t know the technical aspects but Alex explained that part. I think the person did a wonderful job, I like the colors but I think it would be hard to wear.
Ryan Huna Smith: Speaking on what the award is about I think its just incredible what he could do. Looking at what he did its just a phenomenal job. On another note the whole piece is a fun-looking piece a nontraditional approach to native art…a non traditional approach to a ring fun that is exciting and has a lot of movement. Great over all piece.
Benson Manygoats