Zuni necklaces can vary as much as the artisans that make them. Most of the Zuni Necklaces of today are made with sterling silver and contain inlaid turquoise, malachite, pink shell, genuine red coral or black jet. However, Zuni artisans still create beautifully designed beaded necklaces. Zuni fetishes have become a well known collectable over the years. The artists cut stone carvings of miniature animals -Bears, birds, foxes, etc. By using different stones the details of the carvings are brought to life. Zuni Jewelers are known for there beaded fetish necklaces .
Zuni Squash Blossom Necklaces
The Zuni Squash Blossom Necklace has a little different look and feel than the Navajo Squash Blossom necklace. Although the basic design is the same. It's possible the Zuni silversmiths adopted the crescent-shaped "naja" of the Spanish into their own artwork or from the Navajo. It is said that possibly the "Squash Blossom" name was given to this necklaces when a white man asked what the beads were or represented and was informed it was like a squash blossom. However, some think the necklaces bead wasn't originally intended to be that of a squash blossom. The Zuni Squash Blossom necklaces are typically more ornate than the Navajo.
