Bessie Vacit Zuni Channel Inlay Elliptical Point Ring

This channel inlay ring showcases the exceptional lapidary skills of Zuni Pueblo artist Bessie Vacit. The silver channels are intricately curved, demanding meticulous precision in cutting the turquoise pieces to fit perfectly within them. Such a feat could only be achieved by a highly skilled lapidary artist like Vacit.

The ring bears the artist's hallmark, a distinctive fleur-de-lis symbol. Vacit, active between the 1930s and 1950s, was a prominent figure in Zuni jewelry making. He was married to the daughter of Leekya Deyuse, the legendary Zuni fetish carver, and his own artistic talents are celebrated in renowned collections like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and the Heard Museum in Phoenix.

Vacit's expertise extended beyond traditional Zuni jewelry styles like mosaic and channel inlay. He was a versatile artist, creating not only jewelry but also functional objects such as plates, desk sets, and letter openers.

Note: it has also been suggested that Bessie used her dad's hallmark, too. So, there may be pieces of hers that are misidentified as her dad's work.

Real Simple: How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home (This will take you to another website)

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Bessie Vacit Zuni Channel Inlay Elliptical Point Ring is from a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading: American Indian Jewelry III: M-Z, 2,100 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo, Leekya Deyuse, Frank Vacit, Bessie Vacit