Vintage Zuni Inlay Bird Necklace of Turquoise

The maker of this precious vintage Zuni inlay necklace must have been inspired by the enchanting song's of New Mexico's song birds. This lovely piece is handmade with channel set inlay of turquoise, coral, jet, mother of pearl and other shell set ever-so-carefully in sterling silver.

Starting with the center Blue Jay and her hand-carved turquoise stones depicting feathers, you'll find 13 adorable bird pendants attached to two strands of silver beads. Each whimsical bird pendant would be lovely on its own. All together as a single necklace, the piece is extra special.

It's reminiscent of Porfilio and Ann Sheyka's jewelry, but it's unsigned and likely a different Zuni artist.

The necklace measures 25" from end to end, and is a more easily wearable size. The center Blue Jay measures 2 1/8" x 1 3/4". Other birds measure about 1 5/8" x 1". 

The piece is from a Colorado collection and was purchased more than 3 decades ago.