VINTAGE ZUNI Sterling Silver TURQUOISE CROSS Pendant Native American petit point

This is a handmade sterling silver pendant with turquoise colored cabochons set in sawtooth settings & presented in the shape of a cross. The popularity of Native American and southwestern designs like this one are due to the natural materials used & their traditional craftsmanship. When thinking about American Indian jewelry, there is a certain appeal that is readily identified in the rich designs & wonderful quality that make it so sought-after. This cross is a beautiful example, showcasing design features that this type of jewelry is known for: petit point, snake eyes, starburst & shadow box settings. The Zuni believe that turquoise is a manifestation of the sun’s life-giving power. The Zuni word for turquoise means "sky stone." NOTE: I purchased this a LONG time ago on a trip. I remember being told that it was Zuni, turquoise & silver. It was tested as silver, & a jeweler who looked at it said it appeared to be natural turquoise. As I have no paperwork on this, I cannot guarantee it's authenticity or value. I have seen many crosses identical to this style in websites that describe this as "Zuni made", so I'm confident that I at least remembered that part correctly. -Contains six turquoise stones -Length is 1-5/8" -Weight: 3 grams -Hallmark: None (unsigned) -Tribal Affiliation: Zuni This pendant has a wonderful patina, but it can be carefully cleaned/polished to the new owner's liking. Tested as .935 Sterling Silver From a smoke-free, healthy home. [845]