The Zuni people live on a reservation located on historical land that is highly protected, isolated, and self-sufficient. They’re known as farmers and traders, as well as craftspeople. The Zuni people speak the Shiwi language, which is unique to them, and live in the traditional ways of their ancestors. In the Zuni society, the women hold authority over any children, decisions in the families, and property. Throughout history, the Zuni people have tried to avoid conflict, and they’ve been able to maintain their autonomy.
The Zuni artisans are known for their incomparable inlay work that requires precision while selecting and cutting tiny pieces of turquoise, jet, coral and other stones in distinct patterns, each meticulously laid in place. The Zuni have created beautiful and unique pendant sets.
The Navajo reservation extends through parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The, Navajos were the first American Indians to work with silver, and they’re still considered the top silversmiths. When stones are used to create jewelry, such as a pendant set, their only purpose is to enhance the silverwork. Traditionally, Navajo jewelry was recognized for its repetition of balanced and symmetrical designs.
Most of the collections pictured are from the Zuni or Navajo Tribes found in the American Southwest. Nothing compares to the elegance of a matching pendant set that includes a beautiful pendant and earrings. A handcrafted pair of Zuni Turquoise Inlaid Earrings and a Zuni Turquoise Pendant creates a pendant set that compliments any outfit. We have pendant sets available in our collection that are Lapis, Green Turquoise, Spiny Oyster, and Opal, all set in sterling silver. Most of our pendant sets are authentic signed pieces by the artist that created them. Many of the Zuni pendant sets are decorated with turquoise channelwork. Channelwork is a modern technique whereby the artistan cuts stones to fit into tiny channels with perpendicular walls so that the stones are separated or outlined with silver. The Zuni artisan’s ''needlepoint'' or ''petit point'' techniques employ small stones that taper at the ends and resemble woolen stitches on a canvas.
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