- 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.




