Zuni mosaic inlay pin-pendant (unauthenticated)

This is a handcrafted Native American piece, specifically featuring a combination pin and pendant mounting configuration on the reverse, crafted from silver, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, and coral. The central rectangular-to-oval mosaic inlay panel displays a dark mother-of-pearl background depicting a turquoise bird perched on floral or branch elements adorned with turquoise leaves and small red coral accents. The perimeter of the central panel is framed by a heavily textured, twisted silver wire and a scalloped outer border set with multiple teardrop-shaped turquoise cabochons. Suspended from the bottom of the main body are five dangling silver link chains, each interspersed with small bezel-set turquoise stones and terminating in teardrop-shaped turquoise dangles. The metal exhibits a natural silver patina and minor surface wear consistent with age and handling. The user-supplied attribution suggests this work was created by Zuni artist Raybert Kanteena, with initials 'RK' marked on the back of the piece, though this specific maker's mark is not clearly visible in the provided photograph and remains unverified. The stylistic elements, material choices, and cluster-inlay techniques are consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century Southwest Native American jewelry traditions, demonstrating traditional craftsmanship in needlepoint and mosaic lapidary work.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this piece exhibits stylistic characteristics typical of mid-to-late 20th-century Southwest Native American jewelry, specifically Zuni lapidary traditions. The item features a combination pin and pendant mounting, silver construction, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, coral, and dangling silver elements. Per user submission, the piece is attributed to Zuni artist Raybert Kanteena, referencing initials 'RK' marked on the back. However, I can't verify from a photo whether the mark is contemporary, period-correct, or applied by the named artist, and I would need physical inspection to confirm. My appraisal value estimate of $450 to $750 assumes that the attribution to Raybert Kanteena is correct. Market demand for vintage Zuni mosaic inlay and cluster work remains steady among collectors of Southwest Native American jewelry, though values fluctuate based on condition, artisan attribution, and materials. To fully confirm authorship and condition, an in-person examination, hallmark verification, and physical inspection by a qualified expert specializing in Native American jewelry would be necessary. If the item turns out to be a reproduction, replica, or crafted 'in the style of' rather than by the attributed artist, the market value would likely decrease significantly, typically falling into the $150 to $300 range for a generic contemporary or unattributed piece of similar materials and workmanship.