Vintage Zuni Cardinal Inlay Sterling Silver Ring

This is a handcrafted Native American ring, attributed to Zuni craftsmanship, featuring an oval-shaped face with stone-to-stone and channel inlay. The central motif depicts a red cardinal bird, likely fashioned from red coral or spiny oyster, perched amidst a floral or berry scene. The background is a white mother-of-pearl base, which shows a soft iridescence. Accenting elements include turquoise leaves and red coral berries, set within fine silver channels. The face of the ring is bordered by a classic sterling silver twisted wire (rope) detail and a smooth outer bezel. Fine engraved lines emanate from the bird and flora to represent branches or stems, showcasing precise lapidary work. The construction is solid, indicating mid-to-late 20th-century vintage origin (circa 1960s-1980s). The silver exhibits a natural dark patina in the recessed areas surrounding the rope border, which is desirable for collectors as it highlights the metalwork's depth. The inlay appears flush and well-preserved, with no missing stones or significant cracks visible in the gems. The overall craftsmanship suggests a skilled artisan, typical of the high-quality inlay work exported from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico.