الاثنين، 3 يونيو 2013

Zuni Jewelry Is A Timeless And Beautiful Option

By Rena Hudson


The Zuni Native American tribe is made up of intriguing and somewhat mysterious individuals. The culture is rather isolated and reclusive, and in a similar way, their language is a bit obscure when compared with other Native American dialects. The tribe is well known for their talent in the area of artwork, weaving, sculptures, and the celebrated Zuni jewelry of which many people throughout the world are aware.

Zuni tribe members create three different kinds of intricate pieces. These include traditional inlay jewelry, needlepoint pieces, and petit point. The latter is recognized by its tiny stones made from turquoise. Each one is supported by an individual bevel. These pieces have a very delicate appearance, and are exceptionally time-consuming to create.

An early type of design often used by the Zunis is called cluster work. These pieces are recognized by the large groupings of gems that are used in their design. They are almost always set in a silver toned metal. The gems remain in place due to the strong adhesive or glue that is used to attach them to the metal. Such pieces can be designed with any type of gemstone, but turquoise is the most common.

Petit point pieces are usually made from coral or turquoise. This type of craft is also called needlepoint design. The tiny stones used to make adornments of this kind generally feature a circular shape or crafted in the form of a tear. They are usually placed in conventional Native American settings.

Channel inlay is an intriguing variation of mosaic inlay. This style features complex designs with multiple layers. Such pieces are also usually fashioned in sterling silver or other silver toned metals. In some areas, turquoise and coral are replaced with shell or jet for a particularly interesting appearance.

Another classification of inlay jewelry is referred to as overlay-inlay. Such designs are created by using a single silver piece, which functions as a support for an intricately designed second layer of silver. The gaps remaining between the two layers of silver are filled with a mosaic pattern to create an unusual design.

Prior to finalizing one's purchased, it is important to know what to look for when shopping for such pieces. Numerous adornments of this type have the look of Zuni creations, but there are certain features that will be apparent in authentic pieces. For instance, when shopping for inlay pieces, one will notice prominent spaces and gaps between the two metal layers. Additionally, genuine pieces of this kind are usually made from authentic turquoise and coral. Looking for the jeweler's unique insignia is also a wise course of action, as the majority of Zuni crafters have a special mark they place on all their works of art.

Such pieces can be purchased online or in traditional stores. However, not all bricks and mortar establishments carry authentic Zuni jewelry. If this is the case, customers should search for a reputable website that sells authentic pieces. It is also wise to familiarize oneself with the return policies of the online merchant, in case a problem arises. Regardless of one's personal preferences, virtually anyone who purchases these beautiful and intricate creations will be satisfied with their choice.




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