Antique Vintage Sterling Silver Native Zuni Turquoise Onyx Inlay Necklace 19g

We have similar Zuni and Inlay items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Listing Description by: Angela A. Age Circa: Antique Native Zuni C. Markings: "Sterling" on the back of the pendant, tested, and guaranteed.

Country of Origin: United States - Zuni Nation. Length: 3.95 mm to 16.52 mm.

Width: 3.5 mm to 4.9 mm. Color: opaque bright blue hue with tan inclusions. Accent Stone: Lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, and onyx inlay. Lapis lazuli: 11.37 mm to 21.53 mm length, 4.95 mm to 5.1 mm wide, opaque dark blue hue with gold speckles.

Mother of pearl: 18.21 mm length, 4.6 mm wide, lustrous white hue. Onyx: 16.49 mm length, 9.2 mm width, opaque black 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: Inlaid lapis lazuli, turquoise, mother of pearl, and onyx; carved and polished cabochon turquoise.

Chain width: 1.55 mm. Pendant measurements : 3.55" length, 1.45" width. Closure/Clasp Type: Spring ring clasp, standard bale. Link Type: Snake link chain.

Handmade during the 1960s by a talented Zuni artisan. Features a pendant with a huge geometric motif. A triangular segment of this motif is adorned with inlaid lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, turquoise, and onyx stones, the black hue of the onyx contrasting beautifully with the brighter colors of the other accent stones. One side of the pendant showcases a curving row of turquoise stone, each with a carved and polished cabochon cut.

The pendant is strung on a snake link chain. When worn, the pendant rests against the bustline on most people. There is wear and what appears to be a chip to one of the cabochon turquoise stones, but the stone remains secure. There is also tarnish on the sterling silver, which gives the piece and antique quality we believe is rather lovely. A gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap can remove grime from the sterling silver.

The price has been reduced to reflect this. This listing is for the item only. 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.

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. Prized for its intense blue hue and unique gold speckling, lapis lazuli has been mined since approximately 7000 BC. Some of the oldest and finest lapis lazuli mines can be found in Afghanistan, particularly in the Badakhshan province, where several mines are still in operation. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the ancient Egyptians and artists of Medieval Europe, lapis lazuli has been a highly prized and sought after stone. Popular not only in jewelry, lapis lazuli was also ground into powder by Renaissance artists, who used it to create the expensive ultramarine blue pigment used in oil paintings. Throughout human history, lapis lazuli has been carved and crafted into stoneware, jewelry, and other decorative items.

Its rich blue pigment and eye-catching gold speckling make the stone highly prized in antique and modern jewelry alike. 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. The item "Antique Vintage Sterling Silver Native Zuni Turquoise Onyx Inlay Necklace 19g" is in sale since Sunday, May 23, 2021. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Ethnic, Regional & Tribal\Native American\Necklaces & Pendants".

The seller is "abeautifultimeco" and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Department: Womens
Brand: Unbranded
Metal: Sterling Silver
Metal Purity: .925
Main Stone: Turquoise
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Jewelry Type: Necklaces
Country of Origin: United States
Tribal Affiliation: Zuni
Featured Refinements: Zuni Jewelry
Stone #2: Lapis Lazuli
Stone #3: Mother of Pearl
Stone #4: Mother of Pearl
Ethnic & Regional Style: Native American