{"product_id":"etsy-254071339","title":"Vintage Zuni Sterling Silver Thunderbird Inlay Bolo Tie | Turquoise, Coral, Jet \u0026 Shell | Native American Jewelry","description":"Step back in time and wear a piece of the Frontier...\n\nThis handcrafted vintage Zuni sterling silver Thunderbird bolo tie showcases the remarkable precision of traditional stone-to-stone inlay. Turquoise, Mediterranean coral, jet, and shell are carefully fitted by hand to create one of the most recognizable symbols in Native American jewelry.\n\nIts heavy round-wire slide construction is consistent with bolo ties produced before the Bennett clasp became common around 1957, providing collectors with another clue to its mid-century origin. Retaining its original braided leather cord, sterling silver tips, and rich natural patina, this bolo is equally suited for wear or display in a serious collection.\n\nDETAILS:\nBolo Slide: 1 1\/4\" x 2\"\nBolo Tips: 1 3\/8\"\nLength: 37\"\nWeight: 19.1 grams\nHallmarks: None, tests positive for sterling\n\nTURQUOISE FRONTIER COLLECTION NOTE\nZuni Inlay\nZuni artisans are renowned for their extraordinary stone inlay, a jewelry-making tradition that has become one of the defining art forms of the American Southwest. Unlike jewelry that features a single stone, inlay combines many individually shaped pieces that are carefully cut, fitted, and polished to create intricate geometric patterns or pictorial designs.\n\nTraditional Zuni inlay is handcrafted with remarkable precision. Each piece of stone is individually shaped and fitted by hand, requiring exceptional patience and skill. Designs may feature stone-to-stone inlay, where the stones fit tightly together, or channel inlay, where thin sterling silver dividers separate the individual stones.\n\nThe classic color palette includes turquoise, Mediterranean coral, jet, and mother-of-pearl, although many artists also incorporate materials such as abalone, spiny oyster shell, melon shell, green snail shell, sugilite, and other natural stones. Together, these vibrant materials create the striking contrast that has made Zuni jewelry admired by collectors around the world.\n\nMany traditional interpretations associate turquoise with the sky and coral with the earth, reflecting the deep relationship between nature, balance, and life found throughout Pueblo artistic traditions. Because symbolism varies among individual artists, families, and communities, each piece should also be appreciated for its unique craftsmanship and design.\n\nPlease Note:\nVintage jewelry has lived a previous life and will often display signs of age, including light wear, natural patina, minor surface scratches, or slight irregularities. Enlarged photographs may exaggerate these characteristics. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.\n\nABOUT TURQUOISE FRONTIER\nAt Turquoise Frontier, every piece is personally selected for its craftsmanship, authenticity, and enduring beauty. We specialize in vintage Native American jewelry that reflects the artistry, history, and spirit of the American Southwest.","brand":"Turquoise Frontier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43135121195104,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0578\/0557\/0144\/files\/il_fullxfull.859534931_ks8w.jpg?v=1788818677","url":"https:\/\/turquoisefrontier.com\/products\/etsy-254071339","provider":"Turquoise Frontier","version":"1.0","type":"link"}