Description
Large 40‘s-50‘s Zuni Ondelacy Family Turquoise cluster pin/pendant. Nice old pin with a non-destructive pendant hook added later. Natural American turquoise, solid sterling silver from the second quarter of the 20th century. Weight and measurements in pics. Unmarked as typical of this era.
ONDELACY, WARREN & DORIS (Zuni, active.1940-1960‘s). Specialized in large Zuni cluster work. Warren was considered a master silversmith along with his wife Doris. Recognizable techniques of silver repousse work often accompanied their designs along with the consistent use of high quality materials. Trader C. G. Wallace, retained many of the Ondelacy‘s pieces for his private collection.
All precious metals are tested and guaranteed. A Native American jewelry piece referred to as "silver" or "ingot" is guaranteed to be at least 90% silver. I rarely use the word "sterling" when referring to older Native American silver or really any older silver jewelry as silver contents vary and "sterling" is 92.5% silver. No older jewelry is going to be exactly 92.5% silver, some a little over, some a little under. It wasn‘t an exact thing with handmade jewelry. I‘ve seen thousands of pieces xrf‘d to prove this. Bracelets are photographed on a 6" women‘s wrist.
