Raised Blue Jay Bird Ring Flanked by Shell Flower Blossoms

This oval statement featuring a Blue Jay gripping a thin branch enhanced with a single blossom top and bottom.  Notice the alternating triangles of turquoise then coral framing this naturalistic composition in inset stones and shells. This ring's split shank helps the finger to breathe more readily.

Zuni husband and wife team, Ruddell (Born 1959) and Nancy Laconsello (Born 1952) carry out superb channel inlay work. Nancy cuts the materials used in the inlay, while Ruddell designs, cuts and polishes the silver and does the engraving and finish work.

Nancy specializes in mosaic and channel inlay especially bird motifs.  Jake Haloo, Nancy father was her instructor.  Nancy began producing her own jewelry in 1972.

Page 18 of Who's Who in Zuni Jewelry by Gordon Levy discusses these two artist/ jewelers illustrating four examples of their work.