Zuni Jewelry Details

Zuni Jewelry uses a multitude of different types of stones, and often lots of them. Common stones used in Zuni jewelry are turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, and jet. Though there are often many other types of stones local to the American Southwest also used. These stones are often cut into circular or oval shapes and inlaid into bezels or directly into the silver. Another way that the stones can be used are in “fetishes.” This is unique to Zuni jewelry and describes when stones are carved into specific animal shapes like bears, wolfs, badgers, eagles, and more. Other motifs practiced by Zuni craftspeople are snake motifs made with silver and turquoise stones (the creator of this motif is Effie Calavaza), sun face motifs, rain man motifs, flower motifs, and other symmetrical patterns. As mentioned before, Zuni jewelry often does not focus on the silverwork, so the silver is often in more simple designs. Though that does not mean only simple techniques are used. Filigree and granulation are often used in Zuni jewelry. Though the focus is often on the stones and gems used in the pieces, the silver is still oftentimes cut into specific shapes and patterns to accentuate the stones.