
Vintage Zuni Cardinal Inlay Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
This is a vintage Zuni Pueblo cuff bracelet from the 1970s, featuring a central circular medallion with a stone-to-stone and channel inlay design. The focal point is a detailed cardinal bird perched on a branch, skillfully crafted using red coral for the body, black onyx for the wing, tail, and face mask, and mother-of-pearl for the surrounding background. The inlay is set within a scalloped bezel frame, further accented by a twisted wire rope border. Flanking the central medallion are intricate silverwork elements, including small rosettes or 'rain drops' and hand-stamped patterns on a split-shank cuff base. The construction is indicative of mid-to-late 20th-century Native American jewelry, likely made of sterling silver, though typical of this era, it may not be hallmarked. The condition appears consistent with vintage use, showing a gentle aged patina and minor surface scratches on the silver. The inlay stones appear intact and well-seated, though the mother-of-pearl background shows a warm, creamy oxidation common with decades of wear. This piece showcases traditional Zuni lapidary skills, specifically their mastery of pictorial stone inlay.
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Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Basic Information
Category
Native American Jewelry
Appraised On
March 10, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
1970's Zuni cuff bracelet.
Item Description
This is a vintage Zuni Pueblo cuff bracelet from the 1970s, featuring a central circular medallion with a stone-to-stone and channel inlay design. The focal point is a detailed cardinal bird perched on a branch, skillfully crafted using red coral for the body, black onyx for the wing, tail, and face mask, and mother-of-pearl for the surrounding background. The inlay is set within a scalloped bezel frame, further accented by a twisted wire rope border. Flanking the central medallion are intricate silverwork elements, including small rosettes or 'rain drops' and hand-stamped patterns on a split-shank cuff base. The construction is indicative of mid-to-late 20th-century Native American jewelry, likely made of sterling silver, though typical of this era, it may not be hallmarked. The condition appears consistent with vintage use, showing a gentle aged patina and minor surface scratches on the silver. The inlay stones appear intact and well-seated, though the mother-of-pearl background shows a warm, creamy oxidation common with decades of wear. This piece showcases traditional Zuni lapidary skills, specifically their mastery of pictorial stone inlay.
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