The stones on these earrings were all hand cut and buffed and have a domed raised appearance, which gives this mosaic inlay piece a beautiful character. They look like thick oil paint was poured. The turquoise has rich coloration as is the spondylus shell, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant mother of pearl and jet. The stones were all natural and the turquoise greened differently so there's a nice variation of turquoise colors in the earrings.
The wings look more like an insect's wings than a knifewing, and the piece seems to be a cross between a Hopi Bird and a Knifewing. The silver work with the placement of the raindrops seems to be distinctively that of Merle Edaakie and this piece is a rare find. It's in excellent vintage condition.
The earrings are 1-1/8" x 7/8" and the hanging length is about 1-3/8" now that they are converted to pierced. The earrings are substantial but not weighty and will not weigh on your ears at 9.5 grams the pair. They were originally screw backs and all is in fine condition. The inlay work is very fine and there's little age related wear. They were converted to shepherd's hooks using laser, which doesn't damage the stones. These earrings are unsigned and unmarked for metal content which is typical of the time they were made and you can decide for yourself who made them though I do believe they were made by Merle Edaakie and are at least coin silver. This is a high level old and fine collector's set and also a joy to wear.
The author of the book mentioned above prices his own Merle Edaakie pieces at from $1000 to $1800! I am not pricing mine anywhere near that. This is a very fine and beautiful old pair of earrings made by a superb silversmith and very charming and they are priced comparably reasonably, nothing like the $1000-$1800 price tags that author assigns to his personal pieces. In comparison, value is here for the fine old pieces at more reasonable pricing. It's a great old and authentic pair of earrings, no matter who made them and if it's not Merle Edaakie's it's certainly by a similarly excellent master silversmith. Look around the store for a gorgeous matching bolo and bracelet, also priced very reasonably. These are all authentic old Zuni pieces and they are rare finds, highly collectible.
RED TAPE:
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International buyers pay actual shipping cost if I’m shipping myself rather than using eBay’s Global Shipping service, and International buyers are responsible for any customs fees their own countries may apply. Please discuss changing shipping method prior to purchase. My shipping defaults to Express International, which is tracked and insured, but I can use Priority Mail International. It's less expensive and is also tracked. First Class International is no longer offered by the US Postal Service. I charge the actual shipping cost and since shipping to each country costs a different amount, I will charge a little extra and refund the exact difference once I can put your address in and print a shipping label. I am no longer shipping to Italy and China, but can make exceptions if you speak with me about it, especially if you are a prior customer.
I'm no longer accepting returns having refunded $1350 for a bracelet I never received. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I'll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.
When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.