About Zuni silverwork and jewelry

Zuni Silverwork
Just as the Navajo did not do silverwork as part of their culture, the Zuni did not make things out of silver until the late 1800's. In fact, the Zuni were introduced to silverwork by the Navajo people. When you shop for Native American jewelry, you will soon be able to recognize Zuni work by its style and quality of craftsmanship.

Zuni Inlay
Zuni people are well-known for their detailed and skilled work with stones inlaid into silver (and occasionally, gold). Small carefully cut stones are laid next to each other to form designs of birds, spiritual figures and animals. Channel inlay is the form of inlay work where there are channels of silver between the stones. Traditional Zuni inlay work seems to be done with black, red and white with turquoise.

Petit Point
A very detailed type of stonework inlaid in to silver is done by the Zuni. It is called Petit (tiny) Point. The artisan takes tiny, carefully worked, pieces of stone and sets each one in its own silver setting... kind of like setting a diamond into a ring setting. Often these stones are beautifully matched. You will see most petit point done in Sleeping Beauty turquoise which is a clear blue stone. I have also see petit point done with coral.

Needle Point
Needle point style stonework involves needle shaped stones. The Zuni started cutting turquoise into needle shaped stones in the 20's and 30's. Needlepoint designs are typical of Zuni stone work. The setting is done in the same style as the Petit Point work.

Contemporary Zuni Work
Contemporary Zuni work most often builds on traditional inlay.

Photos Courtesy: Outdoorsygirl Jewelry and Gifts and Santa Fe Rose