Created by
Smith, Art, American, 1917 - 1982
Worn by
Van Williams, Roosevelt, died 1977
Date
ca. 1970
Medium
fourteen-carat gold with lapis lazuli
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1 3/8 × 1 7/8 × 3/4 in. (3.5 × 4.8 × 1.9 cm)
Description
This is the “Gold ‘n’ Lapis ring,” a ring designed and created by jeweler Art Smith for Roosevelt Van Williams. The ring’s wide and flattened 14k gold band is diamond-shaped with the front view ends giving the illusion they are going through each other to create the top vertex. This vertex created a spot to hold the spherical, blue lapis lazuli stone. The ring has two hallmarks on the inside of the band, [14K] and Smith’s signature below it, [Art Smith].
Classification
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Jewelry and Adornment
Type
finger rings
Topic
Art
Craftsmanship
Fashion
Fashion design
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Russell
Object number
2023.12.12
Restrictions & Rights
© Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55f31f00c-b8b7-41ac-a631-96cf65a851e6

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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