Description
Lorraine Waatsa Zuni sterling silver cluster necklace and earrings set. Selling the 17.5" long necklace and earrings shown, circa third quarter of the 20th century. Tested and guaranteed solid sterling silver with weight and measurements in photos. Natural American turquoise. I realize these pics are awful, not really sure what happened but don't have time to redo them.
Lorraine descends from a family of Zuni jewelers; the daughter of Alice and Duane Quam and grandchild of Doris and Wayne Ondelacy. Silversmith is in her blood and she was taught the craft as a youngster by her parents. Lorraine recalls making her first piece in 1971 whilst still living at home with her parents. She describes their process of making jewelry starting with shaping the stones to get them closer to the shape needed. Lorraine then grinds the stones on a 100 grit wheel without using any water. One the stone is close to the shape, she uses a sealing wax melted to a stick (size depends on the stone) and uses the stick instead of hands to perfect the size of the stone. Luwayne then finishes with the silverwork. Lorraine and Luwayne are prolific and their work is a mixture of pass-downs and newer designs. She has received recognition for her art including being published in ‘Zuni Jewelry,’ by Theda and Michael Bassman.
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