G. T. Yuselen, Zuni Pueblo Artist

G. T. Yuselen: Master of the Zuni Lapidary Tradition

G. T. Yuselen is a premier silversmith from the Zuni Pueblo, belonging to a lineage of artists renowned for their contributions to traditional carvings and fine jewelry. Yuselen's work is a masterclass in the "Zuni Style," defined not by the weight of the silver, but by the extraordinary precision of the stonework.

Specializing in high-grade Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, Yuselen is most celebrated for their intricate Squash Blossom necklaces. These pieces utilize the demanding needlepoint and petit point techniques, where dozens of individually hand-cut stones are meticulously set into delicate sterling silver bezels. While neighboring Navajo traditions often emphasize heavy casting and large focal stones, Yuselen's artistry focuses on the "mosaic of the small"-a technical feat that requires immense patience and a master's eye for symmetry and color matching.

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Zuni Pueblo