1940's Zuni Navajo Cerrillos Turquoise Cluster Sterling Pin Pendant 3.25 Inch

  

This is a listing for a vintage, circa 1940's, possibly early 50's, Native American pin and pendant hand wrought from sterling and natural unstabilized Cerrillos turquoise stones. It's stamped sterling on the back. It's an unusually large example of fine petit point cluster work done by either a Zuni or a Navajo master silver smith.

It measures an extra wide 3.25 inches across and weighs a very substantial 55 grams. The pin is approximately 70 years old and there is a tiny piece of missing matrix in one stone. Tiny, and it doesn't affect the stone. None of the stones have been stabilized and there are no lost, cracked or chipped stones.

They are in wonderful condition for any age and especially so for such an old piece. The only minor issue is a repair on the pin's hinge. It's a well done older repair, using sturdy wire wrap, rather than solder, as the heat could have damaged the turquoise stones.

It's a clever repair, holds very well and is secure with normal wear, and I've priced this piece accordingly. The stones show that beautiful shading of blues and greens that old Cerrillos is known for.

It's a beautiful turquoise straight out of the mine and when it's had 7 decades to age and develop a patina, there isn't any turquoise prettier. If you love old turquoise, you have to love old Cerrillos. The bright blues and rich deep greens that shade to warm teal are truly mesmerizing. The central round stone is 3/8th of an inch across.

It's surrounded by 17 tear drop stones that are 3/8th of an inch long. These stones are surrounded by 18 round stones that are. And the final row is made up of 26 more tear drops that measure 7/16th inches in length.

It's a wonderful alternating pattern of round and tear drop shaped stones, each one hand cut with visible tool marks, a slightly domed surface and beautiful natural polish. In all there are 62 stones. They are all mounted in strong straight bezels with very tight serrated edges. The 3 rows are separated with fine twisted ropes of silver and a single drop of silver between each stone finishes the accents.

Everyone should have at least one really great turquoise pin in their jewelry box. This one doubles up as an eye catching pendant to be worn on a fine silver chain. The item "1940's Zuni Navajo Cerrillos Turquoise Cluster Sterling Pin Pendant 3.25 Inch" is in sale since Saturday, November 17, 2018.

This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Ethnic, Regional & Tribal\Native American\Pins, Brooches". The seller is "100smr" and is located in Saint Louis, Missouri. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Jewelry Type: Pins
• Tribal Affiliation: Navajo Zuni
• Ethnic Origin: Native American
• Main Stone: Turquoise
• Metal: Sterling Silver