Sterling silver sheet wire and drops, mill rolled, drawn and smelted from ingot were used in the fabrication of this necklace. Natural deep blue turquoise from the Blue Gem mine in Nevada, were hand cut into 14 round 1/8" diameter cabochons, 226 slender marquis shapes, 1/4" X 1/16", 6 smaller marquis-shapes tones, 3/16" X less than 1/16" and a central single marquis measures 5/16" X 1/16".
Outstanding work such as this has never been successfully duplicated in other countries. Specific methods and materials are too labor intensive, relative to profit gained by forgers. It is the heart and soul of the indigenous artist that drives the beauty and labor of creation such as this necklace, factors beyond price.
Description | Sterling silver sheet wire and drops, mill rolled, drawn and smelted from ingot were used in the fabrication of this necklace. Natural deep blue turquoise from the Blue Gem mine in Nevada, were hand cut into 14 round 1/8" diameter cabochons, 226 slender marquis shapes, 1/4" X 1/16", 6 smaller marquis-shapes tones, 3/16" X less than 1/16" and a central single marquis measures 5/16" X 1/16". Outstanding work such as this has never been successfully duplicated in other countries. Specific methods and materials are too labor intensive, relative to profit gained by forgers. It is the heart and soul of the indigenous artist that drives the beauty and labor of creation such as this necklace, factors beyond price. |
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About the Artist | The best book to explain the steps in creating Zuni cluster jewelry is Oscar Branson's Indian Jewelry Making. Volume II. Look at page 48 illustrating each step to create a cluster bracelet. |
Medium | Sterling silver and natural turquoise |
Troy ounces | 3.51 troy ounces |
Size | Overall length is 22'. Outer strand to clasp is 23 1/2". Blossoms are 1" X 3/4". Naja is 2 1/8" X 2" and drops below the necklace outside strand 1 1/2" |
Date of creation | 1935-1945 |
Condition | Excellent |
Turquoise | Natural Blue Gem turquoise |
Description | Fabrication with hard silver solder was the means of assembly for blossoms, naja and each of the 140 hand-made 1/4" diameter beads. Each of the 240 delicate bezels has a micro-serrated edge created using a fine cut file in a single pass. Small pieces of silver smelted to form the 216 round 1/16" diameter drops between and at the tips of bezels throughout this flawlessly executed masterpiece of the jeweler's art. Assembly of the naja and 14 blossoms with their beads is done on foxtail chain with sterling wire wrap fastenings and hook clasp. |
Provenance | KG-3 |
Gram weight | 109.2 grams |