Lee and Mary are considered, two of the most accomplished silversmiths in the history of Zuni arts. They started working together in the late 1940's, with Lee doing the silver work and Mary doing the stone cutting.
This beautifully designed pendant offers the best of their cluster work, with meticulously matched natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise. 17 perfectly cut stones are placed in a gorgeous silver frame. Finely handcrafted silver link chain adds the final touch to this great necklace. There is a slight indentation on the silver bead of the center drop, that appears to be original when made. The total length measures 32" long including the 5" long pendant. The pendant measures 1 7/8" diameter. Hallmarked, Zuni, Lee/Mary.
Their work is published in Zuni Jewelry, the Art and the People, Vol 1 & 2, by Barbara and Ed Bell. Theda Bassman, Northland Publishing Company, Treasures of the Zuni. Theda and Michael Bassman, Zuni: A Village of Silversmiths, University of New Mexico Press. Barton Wright, Hallmarks of the Southwest, Schiffer Publishing LTD, 2000. And many more.
