Zuni Pueblo Snake Eye Turquoise Ring in a Silver Square Setting [SOLD]

The unknown Zuni Pueblo craftsman skillfully set 35 small turquoise gemstones in a rectangular pattern of five silver rows, each with seven turquoise cabochons. Sometimes this design is called "snake eye" jewelry. The silver platform on which the display appears was thoughtfully curved for better fit on the finger which is an indication that the artist was very experienced as a silversmith. As noted on earlier jewelry, the turquoise cabs differ in color from light to dark which adds to the beauty in presentation and artistry.

The style of this ring is perfect for displaying the small turquoise gemstones to their best advantage. There is very little silver to distract from the turquoise.

Zuni artisans have been working with small gemstones to create works of art since prehistoric times. Archaeological digs at nearby Chaco Canyon uncovered works of art made from turquoise. Over the years, archaeologists have found more than 200,000 turquoise pieces at various sites in the Chaco Canyon area. Archaeologists theorize that Chaco Canyon was a distribution center for turquoise. Roads led out of Chaco heading north to Mesa Verde and south towards Mexico. It is believed traders traveled these ancient highways bringing turquoise to the Valley of Mexico, California and beyond. In the late 19th Century, the Zuni learned how to work silver from their Navajo neighbors. It is no surprise the Zuni combined their skill in lapidary work with silver. One early style was petit-point jewelry. The Zuni petit-point and needlepoint styles got their name from the fine embroidery work that was popular at the beginning of the twentieth century.

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

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Snake Eye Turquoise Ring in a Silver Square Setting is from the collection of a client

Recommended Reading: Zuni Jewelry by Michael and Theda Bassman

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo