Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Native Zuni Australian Fire Opal Inlay Pendant 7.7g

We have similar Inlay and Native American items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. Listing Description by: Angela A.

Markings : "Sterling" on the back of the pendant, tested, and guaranteed. Main Stone : Australian fire opal. Length: 9.76 mm to 14.24 mm. Width : 3.06 mm to 8.41 mm.

Color: semi-translucent milky white base hue with a fiery interplay of iridescent blue, green, orange, yellow, and pink hues. Stone Treatment : The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.

Stone Cuts : Carved and polished inlaid stones. Bale opening measurements : 6.45 mm across. Handmade in the 1970s by a talented Zuni silversmith. Four Australian fire opal stones feature a fiery interplay of blue, green, orange, yellow, and pink hues. These iridescent stones were hand-cut into geometric motifs and inlaid in the stone-to-stone style.

Completed with a standard bale for wear on antique chain and necklaces. Tarnish on the sterling silver gives the necklace an antique quality we believe is rather lovely; tarnish can be removed with a buffing, if desired. The price has been reduced to reflect this.

This listing is for the item only. This beautiful piece was made by a very talented Native American silversmith. It features handcrafted silversmith work throughout. Antique Native American jewelry is very rare to find. This is due to these pieces being made for reservation and personal use before the tourist trade became popular. Very few pieces were made and even less survived to today. The Zuni Nation is well known for their stone inlay work, mosaic-like images depicting religious and cultural motifs created from materials that were readily available.

Their modern work is well known for its bold stone colors; often turquoise and coral are used. It is rare for their pieces to be signed, as the Zuni People believe artwork belongs to the entire community. Discovered in the second half of the 19th century in Australia, fire opals rose to popularity amongst the aristocracy of the Victorian era, both within Australia and beyond. Queen Victoria herself was well-known for her appreciation of the stone, owning an entire collection of jewelry featuring the stunning stone. Mined in Australia and exported to the rest of the world, this new variety of opal was available to only the wealthiest of aristocrats.

As the name suggests, these opals are known for their intense flashes of fire, which usually appears a vibrant red, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples, among other hues. They are typically cut into cabochons that show off their fire and are perfectly suited to a variety of different jewelry pieces. Stone to stone inlay is a more modern Native American style of jewelry.

Stones are placed side by side, without metal channels, to create a beautiful and intricate design. The design has a metal base and sidewalls that surround the stone clusters, secured in place by epoxy. This highly skilled process is only used by the most accomplished artists. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Ethnic, Regional & Tribal\Necklaces & Pendants".

The seller is "abeautifultimeco" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Country of Origin: United States - Zuni Nation
Department: Unisex Adults
Modified Item: No
Featured Refinements: Zuni Jewelry
Type: Pendant
Vintage: Yes
Brand: Unbranded
Era: Vintage Native Zuni C. 1970s
Ethnic & Regional Style: Native American
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Style: Pendant
Pendant/Locket Type: Drop
Antique: Yes
Metal Purity: .925
Closure: Standard bale
Main Stone: Australian fire opal
Main Stone Creation: Natural
Metal: Sterling Silver
Tribal Affiliation: Zuni