Antique Vintage Native Zuni Silver Turquoise Petit factory Point Rope Ring Sz 4.5 3.4g

We have similar Petit Point 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 "Petit Point" or "Native" under our items.

Listing description by: Cameron J.

The Piece

Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed

Main stone: Turquoise

Main stone measurements/color:
-Length: 4.87 mm
-Width: 2.04 mm
-Color: opaque blue and green hues

Accent stone: --

Accent stone measurements/color: --

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 petit point

Ring face measurements:
-Length: 0.82"
-Width: 0.53"

Notable features:
-handmade in the 1960s by a talented Native American silversmith
-composed of .900 sterling silver, also known as coin silver
-features six expertly carved and polished oval turquoise stones placed in saw tooth bezel settings
-the stones circle around a twisted rope motif
-complete with a 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, factory but tarnish can be removed with a buffing, if desired. 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

Zuni jewelry is very distinct from other Native American tribes; it most notably features gorgeous inlay designs, as well as petit point and needlepoint stone work. These highly detailed techniques, combined with exceptional metal work, makes the Zuni tribe one of the best-known jewelry making tribes in the world.

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.

Petit Point is a style of stone cutting started by the Zuni Native American Tribe, beginning around the 1920s. It involves cutting small uniform shaped stones (round, oval, square, and pear-shaped) which all face in the same direction. Sometimes the term Needle Point is used to describe pieces made of straight long narrow stones that are pointed at both ends. Zuni silversmiths continue to produce Petit Point in the same tradition; it is a very difficult way to cut a stone and looks beautiful in silver jewelry.



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