The Zuni Native American tribe is made up of intriguing and somewhat mysterious individuals. The culture is rather isolated and reclusive, and in a similar way, their language is a bit obscure when compared with other Native American dialects. The tribe is well known for their talent in the area of artwork, weaving, sculptures, and the celebrated Zuni jewelry of which many people throughout the world are aware.
Zuni tribe members create three different kinds of intricate pieces. These include traditional inlay jewelry, needlepoint pieces, and petit point. The latter is recognized by its tiny stones made from turquoise. Each one is supported by an individual bevel. These pieces have a very delicate appearance, and are exceptionally time-consuming to create.
Cluster work is used to describe one of the oldest types of Zuni creations. Pieces made in this fashion are recognized by their generous groupings of stones that are usually set in some kind of silver colored metal. The gems are held in place with adhesives such as strong glue. This type of jewelry can be created with any type of stone; however, turquoise is the most common.
Petit point pieces are usually made from coral or turquoise. This type of craft is also called needlepoint design. The tiny stones used to make adornments of this kind generally feature a circular shape or crafted in the form of a tear. They are usually placed in conventional Native American settings.
Channel inlay is an unusual variation of something referred to as mosaic inlay. Multiple layers and complex designs are featured with this style. Such pieces are also generally made from silver toned metals such as sterling silver. Jet and shell are sometimes used instead of coral and turquoise, and this combination creates an even more interesting look.
Another subcategory of inlay jewelry is called overlay-inlay. The latter is created by taking one piece of silver, which is used as the supporting piece, and adding a second layer that is intricately designed, which is placed over the top of the first. The openings left between the two pieces of silver are filled with a mosaic design for a unique look.
When shopping for such pieces, it is important to have a thorough understanding of what to look for before finalizing the purchase. Many pieces of this type are advertised as being made in the Zuni style, but if one is looking for authentic pieces, there are certain hallmarks that will be apparent. For example, with the aforementioned inlay pieces, there will be prominent gaps and spaces between the two layers of metal. Additionally, authentic adornments of this type are traditionally made from real coral and turquoise. It is also wise to look for the jeweler's unique stamp, as most Zuni craftsman have a signature mark they use on all the designs they create.
Pieces of this type can be acquired in traditional stores or via the Internet. However, not all conventional establishments carry genuine Zuni jewelry. Those who cannot find authentic pieces in a store should search for a reputable website from which to make a purchase. It is important to familiarize oneself with the various return policies of such websites in the event a return is necessary. Regardless of the shopper's individual taste, essentially any person who buys these intricate and beautiful creations will be happy with their purchase.
Zuni tribe members create three different kinds of intricate pieces. These include traditional inlay jewelry, needlepoint pieces, and petit point. The latter is recognized by its tiny stones made from turquoise. Each one is supported by an individual bevel. These pieces have a very delicate appearance, and are exceptionally time-consuming to create.
Cluster work is used to describe one of the oldest types of Zuni creations. Pieces made in this fashion are recognized by their generous groupings of stones that are usually set in some kind of silver colored metal. The gems are held in place with adhesives such as strong glue. This type of jewelry can be created with any type of stone; however, turquoise is the most common.
Petit point pieces are usually made from coral or turquoise. This type of craft is also called needlepoint design. The tiny stones used to make adornments of this kind generally feature a circular shape or crafted in the form of a tear. They are usually placed in conventional Native American settings.
Channel inlay is an unusual variation of something referred to as mosaic inlay. Multiple layers and complex designs are featured with this style. Such pieces are also generally made from silver toned metals such as sterling silver. Jet and shell are sometimes used instead of coral and turquoise, and this combination creates an even more interesting look.
Another subcategory of inlay jewelry is called overlay-inlay. The latter is created by taking one piece of silver, which is used as the supporting piece, and adding a second layer that is intricately designed, which is placed over the top of the first. The openings left between the two pieces of silver are filled with a mosaic design for a unique look.
When shopping for such pieces, it is important to have a thorough understanding of what to look for before finalizing the purchase. Many pieces of this type are advertised as being made in the Zuni style, but if one is looking for authentic pieces, there are certain hallmarks that will be apparent. For example, with the aforementioned inlay pieces, there will be prominent gaps and spaces between the two layers of metal. Additionally, authentic adornments of this type are traditionally made from real coral and turquoise. It is also wise to look for the jeweler's unique stamp, as most Zuni craftsman have a signature mark they use on all the designs they create.
Pieces of this type can be acquired in traditional stores or via the Internet. However, not all conventional establishments carry genuine Zuni jewelry. Those who cannot find authentic pieces in a store should search for a reputable website from which to make a purchase. It is important to familiarize oneself with the various return policies of such websites in the event a return is necessary. Regardless of the shopper's individual taste, essentially any person who buys these intricate and beautiful creations will be happy with their purchase.
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