Astute 1970s Needlepoint Blue Gem Nevada Turquoise Sterling Silver Zuni Brooch

  

This Zuni brooch recalls many natural forms: flowers, stars... Clusters of tiny needlepoint turquoise gems burst from small sterling silver beads; the clusters are organized to form an openwork, on-point square. Each exquisitely cut stone sits in a fancy sawtooth bezel, and larger silver beads frame the cluster.

The effect is light, lacy, and full of vitality. The brooch fastens with a security clasp, and a bale allows the piece to be worn as a pendant.

Fine lapidary work is a hallmark of Zuni jewels, and this brooch is a wonderful example of the craft. The pendant brooch measures 1"? Weight 5.0grams Zuni needlepoint jewelry emerged in the 1920s-1930s, a period when Zuni artisans began cutting turquoise into long, narrow, pointed stones to create intricate designs. Influenced by the growing market for Native American crafts, a trader named C. Wallace encouraged Zuni artists to create more jewelry for tourists, which helped popularize styles like needlepoint.

This style involves grouping these tiny, precisely cut stones, often called "slivers, " into patterns, creating a delicate and detailed appearance.