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This is an exceptional knifewing set, consisting of a bracelet, pin, screw back earrings and size 6 ring. The story I was told when I bought it is that it had been purchased in the 1950s at Zuni Pueblo from the silversmith who had made the set for his daughter\'s wedding and that the buyer made an offer that the artist couldn\'t refuse. This doesn\'t explain the C. G. Wallace price codes on the back of a few of the pieces. However this is definitely a beautiful old set of hand made jewelry, made with gorgeous turquoise and dating to the 1950s. I can\'t identify the artist and would be happy to hear suggestions.
There is a rainbow man depicted in Sei\'s book, Knifewing and Rainbow Man in Zuni Jewelry\" which looks to my eye as having been made by the same artist, Alice Leekya Homer, the wife of Bernard Homer Sr. It also seems to have been made of the same turquoise, and also is only in turquoise, referred to as the mosaic inlay style of work where stone to stone inlay is used. It does appear that this set is probably also Alice Leekya Homer\'s work, and that is my attribution of the set. This set is masterfully created. She was the daughter of Leekya Deyuse and both she and her husband did lapidary work. She did her own silver work and if you look closely at this set you should be able to see that she was a great master in every respect.
The bracelet uses the same silver foundation that we see in other pieces in the Sei book during that time period, with the zig zag incisions but also some lovely differences in the size panels. The bracelet\'s knifewing future is adorned with hand applied round raindrops in two sizes, very lovely and the stones are set with finely serrated bezels. The earrings the knifewing figure wears on the bracelet are twisted wire and twisted wire is used under the wings and tail to represent feathers I believe. This is a really gorgeous piece. There is a crack in the right wing but it is hard to see because of the golden matrix throughout the stones and the crack blends into that coloration. I don\'t think it detracts from the beauty and doesn\'t endanger the safety of the stones. I see no other problems with the piece which is in very good vintage and collectible condition. The knifewing figure on the bracelet measures 2-1/2\" x 2-1/2\". The bracelet has some slight flexibility and will conform to your wrist. The internal measurement is about 5\" end to end silver, the gap is an additional 1-1/4\" and the total is about 6-1/4\". The width at the terminals is less than 5/8\" wide, while of course the width at the front is the height of the knifewing figure of 2-1/2\", and this knifewing wears a four tier hat.
The pin is 3\" high and 2-3/4\" wide. It also uses the same turquoise with the wonderful colors. You can see green, blue and a golden matrix and is set with a finely serrated bezel, The wings and tail are framed at the bottoms in twisted wire and twisted wire is used for the earrings of this knifewing future which sports a four tiered hat. Hand made raindrops are applied decoratively. The locking pin mechanism works fine. That pin has a kink in it which can easily be straightened. There is a tiny flea bite in the turquoise at the chin, nothing important to the integrity of the piece. This is a stunning pin.
The ring is size 6 but has a very thick shank which could easily be tapped to a larger size. The knifewing figure on the ring, the face of the ring, is about 1-1/8\" high and about 15/16\" wide, sporting a three tiered hat, being a smaller figure than the pin and bracelet. It\'s in perfect condition and is made of the same gorgeous turquoise in the same manner as the larger pieces. The turquoise is also serrated bezel set. There is twisted wire used for the earrings of this knifewing figure and under the wings and tail to represent feathers. There are tiny raindrops applied for decoration. This piece is in excellent vintage and collectible condition and I see no problems.
The earrings are screw back earrings, and they are in excellent vintage and collectible condition with no problems. The knifewing figures on the earrings are both about 15/16\" h and 15/16\" wide. These are made like the other pieces, of the same stunning turquoise which is set in finely serrated bezels, has twisted wire earrings and twisted wire is used to decorate under the wings and tail to represent feathers. These figures wear a three tiered hat and don\'t have applied raindrops.
The turquoise used in these pieces is rare and probably no longer available. It is probably Blue Gem turquoise but there is a Manassa that also has golden matrix and coloration like this. But given when these were made, I believe this is probably Blue Gem turquoise. There has probably never been another set like this. It\'s very rare. And I\'m selling the pieces together for that reason. It would be nice to keep them together. This is certainly one of the masterpieces of Zuni artistry.
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Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you only the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you\'re starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.
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