The Zuni Native American tribe is made up of interesting and mysterious people. Their culture is somewhat reclusive and isolated, as is their language, which is quite different from those spoken in other Native Americans societies. They are well known for their artwork, sculptures, weaving, and as one would suspect, the renowned Zuni jewelry.
Members of the Zuni tribe design 3 varieties of intricate adornments. These include conventional inlay pieces, petit point, and needlepoint jewelry. Petit point is characterized by its exceptionally small turquoise stones, which are held in place by individual bevels. Such adornments feature an appearance that is quite delicate, and their creation takes a substantial amount of time.
One of the earliest types of designs created by the Zunis is cluster work. These pieces are characterized by generous groupings of gems that are typically set in some type of silver toned metal. The stones are kept in place with strong glue or other types of adhesives. This kind of jewelry can be designed with any kind of gemstone, but turquoise stones are the most commonly used for such pieces.
Petit point jewelry is usually designed from turquoise or coral. It is often called needlepoint design. The smallest of gems are used to create such pieces, and are usually tear-shaped or fashioned in a circular pattern. After this, they are mounted in traditional settings used by Native Americans.
Channel inlay is an intriguing variation of mosaic inlay. This style features complex designs with multiple layers. Such pieces are also usually fashioned in sterling silver or other silver toned metals. In some areas, turquoise and coral are replaced with shell or jet for a particularly interesting appearance.
Overlay-inlay is another subcategory of inlay craftsmanship. This look is created by using a single piece of silver as a foundation to support an additional layer featuring an intricate design. A mosaic pattern is used to fill in the spaces left between the two silver layers.
When searching for adornments of this type, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the characteristics to look for prior to finalizing the purchase. Numerous jewelry of this kind is advertised as Zuni-style, but those searching for genuine pieces should look for certain hallmarks. For instance, if one is purchasing an inlay piece, there will be noticeable spaces and gaps between the two layers of silver. In addition, genuine items of this kind are usually made from authentic turquoise and coral. Looking for the jeweler's unique stamp is a wise course of action, as most craftsmen from this tribe have a signature mark that is used consistently on their pieces.
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.
Members of the Zuni tribe design 3 varieties of intricate adornments. These include conventional inlay pieces, petit point, and needlepoint jewelry. Petit point is characterized by its exceptionally small turquoise stones, which are held in place by individual bevels. Such adornments feature an appearance that is quite delicate, and their creation takes a substantial amount of time.
One of the earliest types of designs created by the Zunis is cluster work. These pieces are characterized by generous groupings of gems that are typically set in some type of silver toned metal. The stones are kept in place with strong glue or other types of adhesives. This kind of jewelry can be designed with any kind of gemstone, but turquoise stones are the most commonly used for such pieces.
Petit point jewelry is usually designed from turquoise or coral. It is often called needlepoint design. The smallest of gems are used to create such pieces, and are usually tear-shaped or fashioned in a circular pattern. After this, they are mounted in traditional settings used by Native Americans.
Channel inlay is an intriguing variation of mosaic inlay. This style features complex designs with multiple layers. Such pieces are also usually fashioned in sterling silver or other silver toned metals. In some areas, turquoise and coral are replaced with shell or jet for a particularly interesting appearance.
Overlay-inlay is another subcategory of inlay craftsmanship. This look is created by using a single piece of silver as a foundation to support an additional layer featuring an intricate design. A mosaic pattern is used to fill in the spaces left between the two silver layers.
When searching for adornments of this type, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the characteristics to look for prior to finalizing the purchase. Numerous jewelry of this kind is advertised as Zuni-style, but those searching for genuine pieces should look for certain hallmarks. For instance, if one is purchasing an inlay piece, there will be noticeable spaces and gaps between the two layers of silver. In addition, genuine items of this kind are usually made from authentic turquoise and coral. Looking for the jeweler's unique stamp is a wise course of action, as most craftsmen from this tribe have a signature mark that is used consistently on their pieces.
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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