Silver Zuni Needlepoint Appraisal

Vintage Zuni Needlepoint Turquoise Sterling Silver Ring

This is a vintage Zuni-style ring featuring a distinct needlepoint or petite-point setting of turquoise. The ring's face consists of a vertical rectangular arrangement of twelve small, oval-cut turquoise stones, organized in three rows of four. The stones exhibit a vibrant sky-blue color, characteristic of Sleeping Beauty turquoise, though some natural color variation is present. Each stone is individually set within a hand-crafted serrated silver bezel. Small silver droplets or 'raindrops' are interspersed between the row settings, a classic hallmark of Southwestern Native American silversmithing. The band appears to be a simple, split-shank design that tapers toward the back, likely made from sterling silver. The overall construction demonstrates skilled craftsmanship in stone cutting and bezel work typical of the mid-to-late 20th century. The condition shows a moderate patina on the silver, consistent with age, and the stones appear intact without significant cracks, though some surface grime is visible around the settings. No visible maker's marks are discernible from the primary angle, but the style is indicative of Zuni Pueblo artistry, likely dating from the 1960s to 1980s.