We have similar Zuni, Inlay, and Native American items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Zuni," "Inlay," or "Native" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Main stone: Turquoise inlay
Main stone measurements/color:
Length: 5.37 mm
Width: 3.85 mm
Color: opaque bright blue hue with mottled lighter blue hues
Accent stone: Mother of pearl inlay
Accent stone measurements/color:
Length: 8.89 mm & 9.37 mm
Width: 5 mm
Color: lustrous white hue
Stone treatment: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone cuts: Carved and polished mother of pearl and turquoise inlay
Ring face measurements:
Length: 1.05"
Width: 0.35"
Notable features:
handmade in the 1960s by a talented Native American silversmith
composed of .900 silver, also known as coin silver, a popular purity of silver during this time period
features a beautiful turquoise stone inlaid between two 14k yellow gold segments
two mother of pearl stones were also inlaid within the band face
smooth, polished band for secure wear
Damage: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish on the sterling silver gives the piece an antique quality we believe is rather lovely. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
This beautiful piece was made by a very talented Native American silversmith. It features handcrafted silversmith work throughout. Antique Native American jewelry is very rare to find. This is due to these pieces being made for reservation and personal use before the tourist trade became popular. Very few pieces were made and even less survived to today.
The Zuni Nation is well known for their stone inlay work, mosaic-like images depicting religious and cultural motifs created from materials that were readily available. Their modern work is well known for its bold stone colors; often turquoise and coral are used. It is rare for their pieces to be signed, as the Zuni People believe artwork belongs to the entire community.
Mother of Pearl is a beautiful type of organic mollusk shell lining that is made up of nacre, the same substance that coats pearls. It is a strong, iridescent material that is well suited to decorative arts, and has been used in art, jewelry and even architecture for thousands of years. Mother of Pearl is highly prized for its distinct, multi-colored pearlescent glow.
Turquoise is found all over the world and has been a popular semi-precious stone used in jewelry and art for thousands of years by many different cultures; from prehistoric times to the present. Turquoise comes in many beautiful color variations; from the popular bright solid sky-blue hues to dark blue hues with dark spiderwebbing throughout, as well as aqua, teal, and many green varieties, and even some rare white with dark spiderwebbing.
Domestic US: all items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction items: base shipping + $2.00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for Base shipping
BIN items: Base shipping
Base shipping:
USPS first class: $6.00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS priority mail: $15.00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
International: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for Base shipping. We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form. Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
Many forms of payment accepted. After 4 days of non-payment, an
automated unpaid item case will be opened by our eBay system. If you need
extra time for payment, please contact us prior to bidding.
