Zuni Petit Point Squash Blossom Necklace with Earrings SET [SOLD]

Known for their fine lapidary skills, Zuni jewelry artists have been creating wearable works of art for hundreds of years. Prior to the introduction to metals, they cut and shaped turquoise, shell and local stones into necklaces, bracelets and hair ornaments. When introduced to silver in the late 19th century, they began to place finely cut and shaped stones into silver jewelry. The artists at Zuni are known for their skillful fabrication of two styles of jewelry — inlay and petit point. Named after the intricate embroidery style of small stitches, the Zuni petit point style consists of tiny turquoise “stitches” placed into small silver bezels. The work is time consuming and exacting.

This Zuni petit point squash blossom necklace was made by an unknown artist during the 1940s. The lapidary artist carefully cut and shaped over one hundred small stones and set them in ten unique squash blossoms. Individual blossoms have four rows of stones, interspersed with silver drops and twisted wire. At the end of each is a four-pronged floret. The naja has two  rows of stones separated by twisted wire. A tear shaped drop hangs from the center. All of the pieces are strung on two strands of small handmade silver beads. It is a well crafted piece that is easily wearable because it is not too heavy. The necklace comes with matching earrings.

Condition: The vintage necklace is in very good condition. In its past, someone tried to polish it with silver polish and there was still polish in between the stones. It was professionally cleaned, but a small amount of residue remains.

Provenance: this Zuni Petit Point Squash Blossom Necklace with Earrings SET is from the collection of a resident of New York

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

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Necklace, Earrings, Zuni Pueblo