Zuni Petit Point Screw Back Earrings [SOLD]

Zuni petit-point jewelry was first made during the 1920s and 1930s. The style is characterized by small pieces of stone which are cut and shaped and then set in a bezel to create a design. The process for making petit-point is tedious and time consuming.

This set of Zuni Pueblo earrings was especially well made. The skilled craftsmanship of the unknown artist is remarkable.   Each perfectly made petit point petal sits snugly in a tiny sawtooth bezel. The entire turquoise flower rests upon another flower, one made of silver with small drops of silver set in between sterling petals,adding depth to the set, highlighting the beautiful blue stones.

The age of the earrings is evidenced by the variations in the color shades of the stones. As time passes and the earrings are worn, oils from the wearer cause changes in the color. The variations in blue as well as the darkened patina of the background makes this set of Zuni earrings uniquely beautiful. The earrings date from the 1940s to 1950s and are screw back.

Condition: The Zuni Petit Point Screw Back Earrings are in excellent condition for their age. The stones are all in good shape and there is a lovely patina.

Provenance: The earrings are from the collection of the daughter of the Balcomb family who owned art galleries in New Mexico and Arizona.

Recommended Reading: Zuni: A Village of Silversmiths by James Ostler, Marian Rodee and Milford Nahohai