Zuni Artist Ring Appraisal

Vintage Zuni Inlay Turquoise, Coral, and Shell Sterling Silver Ring

This is a vintage Zuni-style channel inlay ring featuring a diverse palette of natural materials set within a sterling silver housing. The central focal point is an oblong, marquise-shaped face displaying intricate geometric stone-to-stone inlay. The materials include bright blue turquoise, deep red Mediterranean coral, white mother-of-pearl or shell, and black onyx or jet spacers. The construction utilizes silver channels to separate the various hand-cut stones, a hallmark of Zuni craftsmanship. The silver band is slender, likely a split-shank or simple tapered design, common in mid-20th-century Native American jewelry. Condition-wise, the ring shows a soft, aged patina on the silver with micro-scratches consistent with regular wear. All stones appear securely seated with no obvious cracks or missing sections visible from this perspective. The craftsmanship displays high precision, with flush-set stones and narrow silver channel lines. This piece likely dates from the 1960s to the 1980s, reflecting a classic Southwestern aesthetic. The combination of colorful gemstones against the polished silver creates a vibrant, multi-tonal 'mosaic' effect typical of traditional Zuni Pueblo lapidary work.