Vintage Zuni Multi-Stone Channel Inlay Sterling Silver Earrings View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $71.99
- 29 Bid(s) View Bid History
- High Bidder: Craig
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$0.00
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$12.00
($3.00 as additional item)
Lot # JD210
System ID # 27760480
Start Date
End Date
6 Watching
Vintage Zuni Multi-Stone Channel Inlay Sterling Silver Earrings
A bold pair of vintage Zuni channel inlay earrings in the spreading fan form. Each earring opens from a polished sterling silver diamond-form top into a broad geometric mosaic that radiates outward in precisely executed sections.
The stonework draws on the traditional five-material Zuni palette: jet, mother of pearl, spiny oyster shell, turquoise, and white shell. Within Zuni tradition, these materials carry symbolic weight — turquoise representing Father Sky, the warm shell tones evoking Mother Earth, with black and white in counterbalance. The lapidary work here goes beyond flat inlay: both the jet and mother of pearl sections carry carved basketweave relief texture, a more demanding technique that adds dimension and visual depth to each earring. A central chevron motif, formed in spiny oyster, jet, white shell, and turquoise, anchors the composition at the midpoint, echoing wing imagery associated with Zuni ceremonial iconography. The lower arc closes with a row of scalloped white shell in a feathered silhouette.
Both earrings are stamped STERLING and fitted with post backs. No individual artist hallmark is present. Consistent with quality vintage Zuni lapidary work from the latter decades of the 20th century.
CONDITION
Good. All inlay is intact and stones are secure throughout. The sterling silver top elements show minor scuffs and handling marks visible in the macro photos — consistent with age and use. Post backs are functional. No missing material and no repairs noted. Polishing left to buyer.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico |
| Metal | Sterling silver |
| Stones | Jet, mother of pearl, spiny oyster, turquoise, white shell |
| Technique | Channel inlay with carved basketweave lapidary relief |
| Hallmarks | STERLING (both) |
| Backs | Post |
| Era | Vintage, est. 1970s–1990s |
| Each Earring | 1.39" × 1.44" × .15" |
| Pair Weight | 13.1 grams |
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Customer Guarantee
At Mesilla Valley Estate Sales, we take pride in the authenticity and quality of each item we offer. Here's our commitment to you:
- Authenticity Assurance: We guarantee this item to be authentic, handpicked from pre-owned estate collections.
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Please Note:
- Diamond and gemstone weights, colors, and clarity grades are approximate and determined while mounted.
- Treatment of colored stones, pearls, and other gemstones to enhance their appearance is common; these treatments may or may not be noted.
In the rare event of a typographical error in our listings, including gem descriptions and pricing, we reserve the right to correct such errors. If an item is sold based on incorrect information, we will provide a full refund to the buyer and adjust the product information accordingly.
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We believe that the jewelry you purchase will become cherished heirlooms, admired for generations.
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