Zuni Sunface Channel Inlay Sterling Silver Ring

This is a vintage handmade ring, characteristic of Zuni Pueblo craftsmanship, featuring the iconic 'Sunface' deity represention. The centerpiece utilizes a channel inlay technique where hand-cut semi-precious materials are set into sterling silver partitions. The face is composed of white Mother of Pearl for the base, turquoise for the lower quadrant representing water or sky, red coral for the upper quadrant representing life/blood, and black onyx or jet for the vertical and horizontal dividers and the eye. Radiating from the circular face are nine shell petals representing the rays of the sun, flanked by two larger coral-filled petals at the base. The silver work includes a twisted wire rope detail on the left side and possible small silver spheres (raindrops) near the shoulders. The construction shows signs of authentic hand-forging with a thick silver bezel and slightly irregular inlay seams. The condition appears fair to good for its age, showing a heavy dark oxidation (patina) across the silver surfaces and visible surface wear or scratches on the soft shell and turquoise components. There are minor gaps in the inlay suggestive of natural shrinkage or age-related movement of the stones. The style is typical of the mid-20th century Southwest Native American jewelry boom, likely dating from the 1960s to early 1980s.