ZUNI jewelry

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Native American Zuni jewelry is known for its intricate stonework.  The Zunis used various techniques such as Needlepoint, Petit Point, Clusterwork, and Inlay.
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​Scroll down for examples of Zuni jewelry.

clusterwork

Incredible, Zuni-style turquoise clusterwork in this massive belt buckle by Southwestern Navajo artisan, W. Spencer
Turquoise clusterwork belt buckle

Clusterwork is a style where a cluster of larger stones are used in a Zuni jewelry design.

​Turquoise is commonly used in Zuni clusterwork pieces.

needlepoint

Vintage, reversible, Zuni needlepoint cross pendant set with green turquoise and red coral
Needlepoint style cross pendant

​Needlepoint is a style where thinly shaped stones, often resembling grains of rice, are arranged in beautiful designs.

Turquoise and coral are commonly used in needlepoint designs.

petit point

Beautiful Zuni-style, petit point turquoise stonework by Southwestern Navajo artisans, Bill & Betty Betoney
Turquoise petit point work

​Petit point is a style similar to needlepoint, only even smaller stones are used.  These stones are often shaped into teardrops.

​Turquoise and coral are commonly used in petit point designs.

inlay

This vintage, Native American Zuni brooch features a stone-to-stone inlay with turquoise, spiny oyster shell, mother of pearl and jet.
Multi gem stone-to-stone inlay

​Inlay is a type of stonework where stones are meticulously shaped to fit against one another, sometimes forming a design or pattern.

There are two types of inlay techniques:  channel inlay and stone-to-stone inlay.

Turquoise, coral, mother of pearl, and jet are commonly used in Zuni inlay pieces.

fetish necklaces

Hand-carved gemstone Native American Zuni fetish necklace
Triple strand Zuni fetish necklace

​Zuni fetish necklaces are made from multiple gem carvings, usually of various sacred animals.

Bolo Ties

This massive, vintage, Native American Zuni bolo tie features intricate, channel & stone-to-stone inlay work utilizing turuqoise, jet, mother of pearl, abalone shell, spiny oyster, tiger shell, and tortoise shell
Bolo tie with Zuni style multi gem inlay

Bolo ties are created and worn by both Navajo and Zuni tribes, but differ in their style and appearance.

Zuni bolos traditionally feature intricate inlay work.

Belt Buckles

This vintage belt buckle by Southwestern Zuni artisans, Helen & Lincoln Zunie, features a turquoise, jet, tiger shell and spiny oyster inlay
Horse belt buckle with multi gem inlay

Belt buckles are another item created by different tribes, each having their unique styles and appearances.

​Zuni belt buckles will traditionally feature inlay work.
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Zuni Jewelry Gallery


All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)